Mariupol, formerly known as Zhdanov, is a port city in southeastern Ukraine. As of October 1, 2008, the city population stood at 494,587 people. For the last century the population has grown almost 12 times. The city is populated by Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Belarusians, Armenians, Jews and representatives of other nationalities. The main language is Russian. There is a large number of Greek-speaking people but the city is predominantly Russian-speaking. It is located on the coast of the Azov Sea, at the mouth of the Kalmius River. Mariupol is the largest city in Priazovye - a geographical region around Azov Sea, divided by Russia and Ukraine - and is also a popular sea resort. Administratively, the city is located in the Donetsk oblast and historically formed a part of the broader Donbas region. There is a moderate-continental climate with recurring droughts and dry winds in the summer and thawing weather, fogs - in the winter. Average temperature of air in January +41.4°F ( 5.2 °C), in July +82.4°F (+ 28 °C).