Zeya, Russia

It was founded in 1879 as the settlement of Zeysky Sklad (, lit. Zeya warehouse), as a supply and administrative center for the exploitation of newly discovered gold deposits in the Zeya River basin. By 1906, the settlement had grown to over 5,000 inhabitants, and was granted town status under the name Zeya-Pristan (, lit Zeya Port). In 1913, the town's name was shortened to Zeya. The town remained one of Russia's most important centers of gold production until the opening of the Kolyma region in the 1930s. Construction of the Zeya Dam, beginning in 1964, saw a new growth period for the town. ==Administrative and municipal status==

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Zeya serves as the administrative center of Zeysky District, even though it is not a part of it. As a municipal division, this administrative unit also has urban okrug status. ==Economy==

The Zeya Dam is the main economic focus for the town, with forestry, gold mining and agriculture also conducted in the area. ==Geography==

The town is located on the Zeya River (a tributary of the Amur) 230 kilometers (140 mi) southeast of Tynda and 532 kilometers (331 mi) north of Blagoveshchensk. Climate Zeya experiences a monsoon influenced humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dwb) with frigid, dry winters and short, warm summers. ==Sister cities==

• Baker City, Oregon, United States ==References==