The Volga is the longest river in Europe, stretching over 2, 300 miles from its source in the Valdai Hills of central Russia to its delta on the Caspian Sea. It is the 15th longest river in the world and is the national river of Russia. The Volga has been an important waterway for centuries, providing a vital link between the Baltic Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is also a major source of hydroelectric power and irrigation for the region.