Balashikha

Balashikha (Russian: Балашиха, .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}IPA: [bəlɐˈʂɨxə]) is a city in Moscow Oblast, Russia, located on the Pekhorka River 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) east of the Moscow Ring Road. Population: 520,962 (2021 Census);[8] 215,494 (2010 Russian census);[4] 147,909 (2002 Census);[9] 135,841 (1989 Soviet census).[10]In Finno-Ugric languages,[which?] Bala-shika means land of celebrations, land of laughter and fun.[11] Finnic peoples lived in this area before Slavs. The city is known for its unique river and waterway system. The Pekhorka River system covers an area of 40 kilometers (25 mi) from north to south and 20 kilometers (12 mi) from east to west, and many small lakes and ponds were created by damming to provide water power for the cotton mills in the 19th century.