Windy Storm Lashes Out in Sevastopol Man and Tent Go Flying in a Storm Sevastopol (/sɛvəˈstoʊpəl, -ˈstɒpəl/[2] or /sɛˈvæstəpəl, -pɒl/[2] Ukrainian: Севасто́поль (same in Russian); Crimean Tatar: Aqyar) is a city on the Black Sea, located in the southwestern region of the Crimean Peninsula. It is a de facto federal city of the Russian Federation and part of the Crimean Federal District. Along with the rest of the Crimean Peninsula, it is considered part of Ukraine by most of the international community,[3] and was a de facto and de jure city in Ukraine before the 2014 Crimean crisis. In March of that year the Russian military displaced the Ukrainian military in the region, and Russia exercises administration over Sevastopol's territory since. Ukraine officially considers all of the Crimea, including Sevastopol, to be "territory temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation." [4] Sevastopol has a population of 342,451 concentrated mostly near the Bay of Sevastopol and surrounding areas. The location and navigability of the city's harbours has made Sevastopol a strategically important naval base throughout history. The city is home to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Although relatively small at 864 square kilometres (334 sq mi), Sevastopol's unique naval and maritime features provide the basis for a rich and vibrant economy. The city enjoys mild winters and moderate warm summers; characteristics that help make it a popular seaside resort and tourist destination, mainly for visitors from the former Soviet republics. The city is also an important centre for marine biology; in particular, dolphins have been studied and trained in the city since the end of World War II.

• published: 25 Sep 2014
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