Russian
Bratsk is an administrative center of the Bratsky district, also the second-large city of the Irkutsk region. The city is in the northwest of the Irkutsk region and is the large industrial center not only of the region, but also of all Eastern Siberia.
In its structure Bratsk strongly differs from other cities of Russia. The city is not a unity of complete urban built-up area, but several residential areas with different site improvement levels which are remote from each other on rather long distances and split by the rivers and forests. This is due to Bratsk has arisen from several settlements constructed near the industrial enterprises.
The city has quite advantageous economical and geographical location in spite of the fact that it is in severe climatic conditions. Bratsk is the city with well developed infrastructure and high economic potential. Thanks to the geographical position (Bratsk is on crossing of the major highways connecting Europe and Asia to the North of Eastern Siberia), the city is allocated with the status of northern gate of the Far East. The important role in city economy is played by Btatsk hydroelectric power station.
Cultural life of Bratsk is presented by city Drama Theater and Tirlyamy, the Puppet Theater. In the city are also some museums: museum of history of Bratsk; Angarsk Village, the architectural and ethnographical museum; city art showroom. Sovremennik, the cultural center; Transportnik, recreation center; Energetik, arts palace are opened for visitors.
The important role in live of Bratsk is played by sports. The city takes a very important place among the largest sports centers of Siberian federal district. There are 40 sports federations in Bratsk which brought up numerous participants and prize-winners of the European and world competitions, as well as the Olympic Games.
