The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, about 3,700 km. Its origins are at an elevation of only 225 m in the Valday Hills northwest of Moscow. Because the elevation is so low, the river flows slowly and enters the Caspian Sea in a wide delta. Numerous dams provide hydroelectricity, so that the river plays an very important role in the life of the Russian people. Over 40% of Russia's people live near it and it's tributaries and half of Russia's farmers live and farm near the Volga. Over half of Russia's industry is located within its drainage.