RUSSIA - Tambov Oblast /Тамбовская область

Tambov Oblast (Russian: Тамбо́вская о́бласть, Tambovskaya oblast) is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast). Its administrative center is the city of Tambov. Tambov Oblast is situated in forest steppe. It borders on the Ryazan, Penza, Saratov, Voronezh and Lipetsk Oblasts. The name "Tambov" originates from the Moksha language word "томба" (tomba) meaning "abyss",  or "deep pool". 

Tambov was founded by the decree of Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich on April 17, 1636 (Old Style). Originally, it was a border fortress against attacks by the Crimean Tatars, but it soon declined in importance as a military outpost. It then became the region's administrative and trade center.  Tambov serves as the administrative center of the oblast and, within the framework of administrative divisions, it also serves as the administrative center of Tambovsky District, even though it is not a part of it. As an administrative division, it is incorporated as the city of oblast significance of Tambov—an administrative unit with the status equal to that of the districts. As a municipal division, the city of oblast significance of Tambov is incorporated as Tambov Urban Okrug.