Salekhard

Salekhard: Arctic Circle monument

Salekhard, also spelled Salechard, formerly (until 1933) Obdorsk, city and administrative centre of Yamalo-Nenets autonomous okrug (district), Russia. It lies on the Poluy River at its entrance to the Ob River.

Salekhard was founded in 1595 and became a city in 1938. Fish canning and sawmilling reflect the regional economy. It is also a base for the northern gas fields of western Siberia. Teacher-training and medical colleges are located in the city. Pop. (2006 est.) 39,375.