Vladivostok, on Russia's Pacific coast, has long been the country's
fortress in the Far East. The Chinese settled this area before Russia acquired it in
1858. Vladivostok is famous as the eastern terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railway and is
home to Russia's Pacific fleet. The economy relies on commercial fishing and
shipping. Many businesses have relocated to the city to take advantage of its proximity
to Japan and the emerging Chinese markets.
