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December 8, 2004, Saratov, Russia, was officially recognized by the Dallas City Council as a new sister city. On October 27, 2003, Dallas Mayor Laura Miller and Saratov Mayor Iory Aksenenko signed a "Partner Cities Declaration" formally acknowledging the many years of friendship and cooperation between the citizens of the two cities in business, humanitarian, and cultural endeavors. A variety of civic, government, educational, business leaders, as well as humanitarian, business and cultural groups in both cities have contributed to different phases of this program with financial, political, and volunteer support. There have been exchanges of more than a dozen official delegations, including groups led by elected officials in the respective cities. Like Dallas, Saratov is a growing economic center of a vast agricultural and oil-rich region. There are many characteristics of common ground, including similarities in population, educational level, and love for the musical and performing arts. Dallas' Russian ethnic community is well-organized and strongly supportive of developing the relationship. About Saratov Saratov was founded in 1590 and named after the Tatar word Sary-Tau (YellowMountain). Saratov is located about 500 miles southeast of Moscow in the heart of Volga River Valley Region and is the center of one of the biggest provinces in Russia. The region is rich in natural resources and has many highly educated and skilled citizens. Saratov has a size of close to 380 square kilometers and a population of about 1 million people with an additional 2 million people in the surrounding area. The city's architecture has been influenced by both European and Asian cultures. Among the modem landmarks of Saratov is the 2.8 kilometer bridge which connects Saratov with Engels. Saratov's climate is continental and is much like the climate of Chicago: the average winter temperature is 11 degrees Fahrenheit and the average summer temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Prior to the fall of Communism, Saratov was a major industrial center for the nation's defense industry. After Saratov was "opened" to Westerners in 1991, the area quickly became one of the most progressive regions in Russia, known for its political and economic reforms. 
For more information about the Dallas/Saratov Sister City relationship or to become more involved please contact David Griggs at dgriggs@ftc.gov or Michael J. Jackson at jaredmichael7@yahoo.com. Explore the City of Saratov
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