Rus. Moskva, city (1991 est. pop. 8,802,000), capital of RUSSIA and former capital of the UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS, W central European Russia, on the Moskva R.

The largest city in Russia, Moscow is the hub of its rail network, an inland port, and the site of civil and military airports. Its many manufactures include machinery and machine tools, automobiles, chemicals, and textiles. First mentioned by chroniclers in 1147, it became (c.1271) the seat of the grand dukes of Vladimir-Suzdal and (by the 15th cent.) capital of the Russian state. From the 14th cent. it was the seat of the metropolitan (later patriarch) of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The capital was transferred (1712) to the new city of SAINT PETERSBURG. Built largely of wood until the 19th cent., Moscow burned many times, notably after NAPOLEON's invasion (1812).

In the 19th and early 20th cent. it was the focus in Russia of social democracy and other political movements. After the RUSSIAN REVOLUTION, it was (1918-91) the capital of the USSR. Economic growth doubled the population between 1926 and 1939.

In WORLD WAR II the German offensive against Moscow (1941) was stopped about 20 mi (32 km) from the city's center, but damage was minimal. Its major sections form concentric circles around the KREMLIN.

Red Square, the Lenin Mausoleum, and St. Basil's Cathedral are major landmarks. Among Moscow's cultural institutions are the Univ. of Moscow (est. 1755), Russian State Library (formerly Lenin Library), Tretyakov Gallery, and Bolshoi Theater.