Simferopol is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in southern Ukraine. As the capital of Crimea, Simferopol is an important political, economic, and transport center of the peninsula. As of 2006, the city`s population is 340,600. Simferopol is located in the south-central portion of the Crimean peninsula. The city lies on the Salhir River and near the artificial Simferopol Reservoir, which provides the city with clean drinking water. The city`s climate is dry and warm, with mild winters. The average temperature in January is −0.5 °C (31 °F) and 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in July.