For Russia and the whole world Kazan is a symbol of tolerance, peaceful neighborhood of two great religions and cultures. Representatives of about one hundred nationalities and ethnic group live here in friendship and peace.
A unique combination of Western and Eastern traditions adds the city an inimitable colour. Kazan with its ancient Kremlin is on the World Heritage list, being awarded with diplomas and a UNESCO medal. The capital of Tatarstan is a member of seven international organizations, such as UN-Habitat, European Association of Historic Towns and Regions, Organization of World Heritage Cities and World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments.
The population of the city is about 1.2 million people, and 26 million people more live within a 500 kilometres radius. It makes 18% of the population of Russia. Kazan has been named one of the best municipalities of the country. According to the results of the independent Forbes magazine research, it is on the top of business climate and attractiveness rating for Russian cities.
In 2005 delegations from 40 countries came to the celebration of 1000th anniversary of Kazan, it was about 30 thousand people. Kazan is spoken about as the Eastern Russian capital, the regional centre politically and economically stable.
In 2007 the Government of the Russian Federation announced Kazan the best Russian municipality. The city got a right to be officially named the Third Russian Capital.
Kazan is the city of students. About 40% of Kazan dwellers are young people under the age of 30. Kazan is on the third place in Russia according to the number of higher educational establishments. Approximately 180 thousand students from 15 countries study in 37 institutions. Kazan State University founded in 1804 is one of the oldest universities in Russia.
Kazan and Tatarstan are recognized all around the world for their sport achievements. According to a research conducted by Russian mass media with the support of Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation, Kazan was named the sport capital of Russia. Sport and physical trainings became a lifestyle for Kazan dwellers.
Sport infrastructure is highly developed in Kazan. The city has hosted grand Russian and International tournaments many times. Kazan is proud of its sport teams. They are:
- Rubin Football Club, two-times Champion of Russia;
- Ak Bars Ice Hockey Club, Gagarin Cup holder, Continental Cup Holder, Champion of Europe;
- Kamaz-Master Team, nine-times winner of Dakar Rally;
- Zenit-Kazan Volleyball Club, Champion of Russia, Russian Cup Holder, Champions League winner;
- UNICS Basketball Club, Russian Cup Holder;
- Sintez Water Polo Team, Russian Cup Holder;
- Dinamo-Kazan Ice Hockey Team, Russian Championship Bronze Medalist, Champions Cup 2009 Holder.
Tatarstan athletes performed successfully at the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, having won 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 3 bronze ones.
Russian delegations for winter and summer Universiades have been the most numerous. Since 1993 Russian athletes have won 503 medals at Summer Universiades and 247 medals at Winter Universiades.
Tatarstan athletes win the highest awards at the Universiades. In February 2009 at XXIV Winter Universiade in Harbin our students got 33 medals. And in June the same year Kazan athletes brought 9 medals from XXV Summer Universiade in Belgrade.
