Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, Russian Sankt Peterburg, formerly (1914–24) Petrograd and (1924–91) Leningrad,  city and port, extreme northwestern Russia. A major historical and cultural centre and an important port, it lies about 400 miles (640 km) northwest of Moscow and only about 7° south of the Arctic Circle.

The second largest city of Russia and one of the world’s major cities, St. Petersburg has played a vital role in Russian history since its founding in 1703. For two centuries (1712–1918) it was the capital of the Russian Empire. The city is remembered as the scene of the February (March, New Style) and October (November, New Style) Revolutions of 1917 and for its fierce defense while besieged during World War II. Architecturally, it ranks as one of the most splendid and congenial cities of Europe. Its historic district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990. Area city, 550 square miles (1,400 square km). Pop. (2010) 4,879,566; (2012 est.) 4,953,219.

Aspects of the topic Saint Petersburg are discussed in the following places at Britannica.

Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Saint Petersburg - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)

Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia, after Moscow. The city lies on the Neva River where it flows into the Baltic Sea. It is an important center of industry, education, science, and culture.

Saint Petersburg - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

The second largest city in Russia, St. Petersburg is the country’s unofficial cultural capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Strewn with canals and hundreds of bridges, it is distinguished by its graceful mix of western European and Russian architecture. St. Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great at the beginning of the 18th century and thus is younger than most great European cities. Nevertheless, the city has a historical significance that rivals its cultural legacy. Capital of tsarist Russia for more than 200 years, St. Petersburg is also remembered as the birthplace of the Russian Revolution of 1917.