Saransk is located on the left bank of the River Insar (Volga basin), 642 km to the south-east of Moscow. It was founded in 1641. Its population is over 324,000, with Mordvinians accounting for 28.7%.
The main branches of industry are: machine building; light fixtures; ferrous metals; chemicals; machine tools; timber and woodworking; building materials; cable products; and light and food industries.
In accordance with the executive order of September 12, 2008 by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Saransk is currently actively building a high technology industrial park.
The city's system of educational institutions comprises Ogaryov Mordvinian State University, Yevsevyev Mordvinian State Teachers' Training Institute, the Saransk Cooperative Institute, which is a branch of the Russian Cooperation University, the Mordvinian Humanities Institute, as well as 52 secondary schools and 66 nursery schools and kindergartens.
The healthcare network in Saransk comprises 18 hospital facilities, 21 state-run medical and preventive treatment facilities, 6 out-patient clinics (non-state), and one private-state medical facility.
The city's sports facilities include the Mordovia Sports Centre, the Start Stadium, the Ice Palace, the Ski and Biathlon Centre, the Olympic Training Centre, the Tennis Centre, a covered velodrome for BMX sports, physical fitness centres and swimming pools.
In 2011, Saransk will host the international sports forum "Russia -- Country of Sports." The city has also won the right to hold the World Race Walking Cup in 2012, in which athletes from 62 countries will compete. Saransk has been included among cities hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup– the Yubileiny Stadium is currently being built.
For five years running, Saransk has won the competition for the most well-appointed Russian city.