Vyatka Governorate was a territorial division that existed in the Russian Empire from the late 18th to early 20th century. It derived its name from the Vyatka River, which flowed through the region.
Located in the northeastern part of European Russia, Vyatka Governorate was bordered by other governorates such as Kazan, Vladimir, Kostroma, Vologda, and Perm. The administrative center of the governorate was the city of Vyatka, now known as Kirov. Other major towns within the region included Kotelnich, Nolinsk, and Malmyzh.
The Vyatka Governorate covered a vast area and encompassed diverse landscapes, including forests, rivers, and plains. Economically, the region was primarily agrarian, with significant agricultural production contributing to its prosperity. Crops such as grains, potatoes, flax, and hemp were cultivated, while livestock breeding was also prevalent.
Throughout its history, Vyatka Governorate experienced various sociopolitical changes. It was affected by the major reforms undertaken in the Russian Empire during the 19th century, including the abolition of serfdom in 1861. The governorate played a role in the industrialization process, particularly with the establishment of textile factories and machinery plants.
In the early 20th century, following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the administrative divisions of the Russian Empire were reorganized, and the Vyatka Governorate was abolished. Its territory became part of the newly formed Soviet Union, and it eventually became the Kirov Oblast, which exists to this day.
