Sochi is a major resort city located in the North Caucasus region of Southern Russia. Situated along the Sochi River and the coast of the Black Sea, it serves as a significant urban center with a population of approximately 466,078 residents, which can reach up to 600,000 within its urban area.
The city covers an area of 176.77 square kilometers, while the Greater Sochi Area extends over 3,502 square kilometers. Spanning a length of 145 kilometers, it is recognized as the longest city in Europe by territory. It ranks as the fifth-largest city in the Southern Federal District and the sixth-largest city on the Black Sea.