Navapolatsk
Description
Navapolatsk is a city in Vitsebsk Province, Belarus, with a population (2008 estimate) of 107,458. Founded in 1958, it is located close to the city of Polatsk and the name literally means "New Polatsk".
History
The history of Navapolatsk dates back to the year of 1958, when a large number of enthusiasts, workers and builders, seeking new experiences and romantic feelings came here to establish a new town. There was reason for that: a big oil refinery plant was to be set up. When new factories were being built, they were placed far enough away from Polatsk so that the radiation and dangerous gases would not reach the city. However, it was later decided that it would be acceptable to build a few buildings closer to the factories for the workers to live in. With them came a hospital, a fire station, and a school. A few more buildings were built and the city of Navapolatsk was born. The population grew over the years, even though it was located dangerously close to several factories - an ecological problem - including the well-known Polymir.
The city now has 15 secondary schools, many kindergartens and the Polotsk State University.
