Chernigov is situated on the high right bank of the Desna River. Its total area is 64 km2, and its population is 301 100. The city is divided into two districts.
Chernigov is one of the most ancient cities of Ukraine. It was founded in the 7th century. It was named by the prince Chorny.
The first mention of Chernigov in the chronicles occurred in 907.
The city was incorporated into Kyiv Rus in the 9th century and became one of the most important and wealthiest cities of the realm. In the 14th century it was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1503 it came under Moskovy's rule.
During this period the city was very enlarged. Then it was transferred to Poland and in 1654 it became a part of Russia.
The old centre of the city is called "Ditynets".There are some historical monuments such as the Cathedral of the Transfiguration (11th century), the Borys and Hlib Cathedral (1120—1123), the Catherine Church (sanctified in 1715). There is also a famous Yeletsky Monastery there.
The main branches of industry are food-processing, light industry and woodworking, the building materials industry.
The major industrial enterprises include the industrial association "Pozhmachina", "Chernigovmebel", "Tiutiun", machine-building plants, and a woodworking plant.
The museums of the city are worth visiting. There is a Historical Museum, the M. Kotsiubynsky Literary-Memorial Museum, and an Art Museum.
There is also the Music and Drama Theatre, a young spectator's theatre, and the philharmonic society in Chernigov. There are a lot of scientific-research and planning institutions.
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