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Zaporizhzhia

Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern Ukraine on the Dnieper River and the administrative centre of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern Ukraine on the Dnieper River and the administrative centre of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. It is one of Ukraine’s major industrial, transport, and cultural centres, and has a strong historical association with the Zaporizhian Cossacks and Khortytsia Island.

History

Zaporizhzhia was known as Oleksandrivsk until 1921. Its modern identity is closely tied to the Dnieper River, the former rapids, and the Cossack history of the region.

Geography

The city is located in southeastern Ukraine on the Dnieper River. It is associated with Khortytsia Island, a major historic and geographic feature of the area.

Administration and population

Zaporizhzhia is the administrative centre of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Available sources give a 2022 population estimate of 710,052.

Economy and infrastructure

The city is described as a major industrial centre and a transport hub. Sources also identify it as an important river port and railway junction.

Key facts

  • Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern Ukraine and the administrative centre of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
  • The city lies on the banks of the Dnieper River and is historically linked to the Zaporizhian Cossacks and Khortytsia Island.
  • It was known as Oleksandrivsk until 1921.
  • Zaporizhzhia has a population of about 710,052 according to a 2022 estimate.
  • It is widely described as a major industrial centre and transport hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is Zaporizhzhia?
Zaporizhzhia is a city in southeastern Ukraine and the administrative centre of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Where is Zaporizhzhia located?
It is located on the Dnieper River in southeastern Ukraine.
What was Zaporizhzhia called before 1921?
It was called Oleksandrivsk, also rendered as Aleksandrovsk in some sources.
How many people live in Zaporizhzhia?
A 2022 estimate lists the population at 710,052.
Why is Zaporizhzhia historically significant?
The city is closely associated with the Zaporizhian Cossacks and the nearby Khortytsia Island.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaporizhzhia
    Supports: City location, former name, administrative role, and 2022 population estimate.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Zaporizhzhya-Ukraine
    Supports: Location on the Dnieper River and status as the administrative centre of the oblast.
  3. Encyclopedia of Ukraine — https://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/display.asp?linkpath=pages%5CZ%5CA%5CZaporizhia.htm
    Supports: River-port and industrial-city descriptions, administrative role, and historical name Oleksandrivske.
  4. Association of Ukrainian Cities — https://www.auc.org.ua/novyna/zaporizhzhia-city-zaporizhzhia-region-0
    Supports: Population, area, Khortytsia Island, and industrial/transport hub descriptions.
  5. UkraineTrek — https://ukrainetrek.com/zaporozhye-city
    Supports: General city overview, location on the Dnieper, industrial and transport functions.