Vologda is a capital city of Vologda Region. It is situated in northwestern Russia about 400 km northeast of Moscow. Located on the Vologda River and rail junction, Vologda is an important river port and a crucial transportation center.

The region has a continental climate. However, if compared with Moscow Region, winters are colder and longer in Vologda. Due to its geographical position, the region’s average annual temperature is - 14 °С in January, and 18 °С in July. The landscape is represented primarily by a rolling plain, which is rich with forests that occupy 2/3 of the territory of Vologda Region. Population figures estimated at around 300.000 of people (Vologda, 1999).