St Petersburg
In short
This major Russian city sits on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland. It is the country's second-largest city and serves as a vital cultural and economic hub.
In plain words
It is a huge city located on the Baltic Sea. It was once called Petrograd and Leningrad. It is famous for its beautiful buildings and its position in the north.
A simple example
A tourist might visit the Hermitage Museum to see famous art collections located within the city.
Why it matters
It acts as a gateway to Europe for Russia and holds immense historical importance. It is also the most populous city on the Baltic Sea.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse it with Saint Petersburg in Florida, which is a much smaller city in the United States.