Navapolatsk

Navapolatsk (Belarusian: Наваполацк; Russian: Новополоцк, Novopolotsk, lit. New Polatsk) is a city in Vitsebsk Province, Belarus, with a population (2008 estimate) of 107,458. Founded in 1958, it is located close to the city of Polatsk and the name literally means "New Polatsk".

History

The history of Navapolatsk dates back to the year of 1958, when a large number of enthusiasts, workers and builders, seeking new experiences and romantic feelings came here to establish a new town. There was reason for that: a big oil refinery plant was to be set up. When new factories were being built, they were placed far enough away from Polatsk so that the radiation and dangerous gases would not reach the city. However, it was later decided that it would be acceptable to build a few buildings closer to the factories for the workers to live in. With them came a hospital, a fire station, and a school. A few more buildings were built and the city of Navapolatsk was born. The population grew over the years, even though it was located dangerously close to several factories - an ecological problem - including the well-known Polymir.

The city now has 15 secondary schools, many kindergartens and the Polotsk State University.

Industry

Out of all the cities in the Vitebsk Oblast, Navapolatsk is the leading producer in the refining and chemical industry business. The entire city of Navapolatsk and Polotsk live and survive because of this industry.

OAO "Naftan"

Naftan is the leading oil refinery. It was constructed in 1959. This refinery takes crude oil from the Volga Region of Russia and generates diesel, gasoline, and kerosine, along with other technological products. In addition to Naftan, Belarus built a large chemical plant, called "Polymir". This plant produces plastic and polyethylene. There are multiple products that could be produced from polyethylene, for example artificial fur.

Tourism

Navapolatsk is not very big in the tourism business. However, there are six hotels in the city available for tourists.

Sport

Navapolatsk has produced several players for Belarus national bandy team.

Culture

There are several culture centers, music schools, art schools, and library systems in the city. There is also a museum of history and culture of the city of Navapolatsk. The city of Navapolatsk has an a cappella group, which won an international award.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Belarus

Twin towns – Sister cities

Navapolatsk is twinned with:

• Weihai, People's Republic of China

See also

• Polatsk
• Alexei Shabunya
• Andrei Kostitsyn
• Sergei Kostitsyn
• FC Naftan Novopolotsk
• Novopolotsk (bandy club)