Bratsk is a Russian city in the Irkutsk Oblast in eastern Siberia. It is located on the Angara River and has an estimated 2002 population of 259,200.

History

Bratsk was founded by Russian settlers in 1631 as a fortress. However, its rapid development started in the mid-1950s with the construction of the 4,500-megawatt hydroelectric plant.

Economy

Other industries in the city include aluminum plant and a wood pulp plant.

Colleges and universities

Educational facilities include Bratsk State Technical University and a branch of Irkutsk State University .

Transportation

Bratsk is connected by the Baikal Amur Mainline and an international airport.