The city of Orel is located in the Central Federal District of Russia, on the banks of the Oka River. It is the administrative center of Oryol Oblast and a major railway junction. Orel was founded in 1566 and is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It has a population of about 320, 000 people and is an important industrial, cultural, and educational center. Orel is also known for its many historical monuments, including the Oryol Kremlin, which dates back to the 16th century.