This chapter provides all basic political, economic, and demographic data on every territorial unit of the Russian Federation, its local government structure, regional politics and electoral history through the spring 2000 elections and the summer 2000 reorganization of the Penza Oblast. Penza Oblast is located in the Middle Volga River area and borders Ulyanovsk, Saratov, Tambov, and Ryazan oblasts and the Republic of Mordovia. The oblast has equally well-developed industrial and agricultural sectors. The oblast has an active foreign economic policy. The governor is in charge of making strategic decisions for strengthening and restoring the image of Penza Oblast in its relations with the federal government, other regions, and foreign states and businesses. The Communists won a third of the seats in the Penza legislative elections in December 1997, as well as ten additional sympathizers in the 45-seat assembly.