Kyshtym is a Russian town (since 1934) in the Chelyabinsk Region.

Its population is 41.8 thousand people (as of 2010).

The town stands on the Kyshtym River, 90 km away from Chelyabinsk. The Bolshaya Akulya Lake is located 5 km away from the town. The town is surrounded with woods and lakes; there are more than 30 lakes in its territory and around. In close proximity to the city there are natural monuments: Sugomaksky Cave, the Sugomak Mountain, and the Sugomak Lake that together make the territorial and natural complex of Sugomak.

History of Kyshtym

In 1755 construction of Upper-Kyshtym iron and Lower-Kyshtymsky ironworks plants was started by Nikita Demidov. The year 1757, when these plants were put into operation is considered the year of Kyshtym’s foundation. In 1761 export of iron to England began. The first Kyshtym Church (Advent Church) was consecrated in 1765.

In the years of peasants’ war under Yemelyan Pugachyov's leadership in 1774 the plants were seized by the risen rebels; later they were burned and plundered and restored by 1776.

During the Great Patriotic War the course "Shot" was evacuated to the town.

Additional data

• In 1957 the district near the town underwent radioactive infection after an accident at the MAYAK chemical combine.

• In 2010 on the Town Day the Kyshtym citizens joined hands and rose in a round dance which was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest one in the world.