Yoshkar-Ola (Йошка́р-Ола́) is a city in Russia, capital of the Mari El republic. It has a population of around 248,600 (2002) and is slowly being settled by people from neighbouring areas.

The name means red city in Mari

During the Soviet era, especially post-WWII, the city was a regional industrial and transport center and grew to its current size. The collapse of the Soviet Union removed the artificial support for inefficient state enterprises, and led to the immediate shutdown of most manufacturing activity in the area. Much of the city's economic activity was supported by shuttle traders who would transport (often counterfeit) goods from the bustling markets of Moscow to Yoshkar-Ola's bazaars.

The sharp decline in living standards led to the emigration of specialized professionals to larger cities in Russia. The city experienced modest economic growth since (widespread tax evasion makes measurement of economic activity difficult at best), and has seen several new retail facilities open.

Corruption of public officials and judges, mafia and lack of a reliable and educated workforce meant that the city could not attract significant amounts of Foreign Direct Investment and will continue to plague the region's development in the future.

External link

• Photos and narratives from Yoshkar-Ola
• Detailed map of the city of Yoshkar-Ola