Zhizdra (Russian: Жи́здра) is a town and the administrative center of Zhizdrinsky District in Kaluga Oblast, Russia, located on the Zhizdra River 180 kilometers (110 mi) southwest of Kaluga, the administrative center of the oblast. Population: 5,545 (2021 Census); 5,585 (2010 Russian census); 5,719 (2002 Census); 5,439 (1989 Soviet census).

History

The Baltic tribe Galindians lived in the Kaluga region for a long time. Therefore, many names of rivers, like that of the Zhizdra river, and settlements in Russia are of Baltic origin.

Zhizdra was first mentioned in 1146. Town status was granted to it in 1777.

During World War II, the town was occupied by the German Army from 5 October 1941 to 16 August 1943.

Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, Zhizdra serves as the administrative center of Zhizdrinsky District, to which it is directly subordinated. As a municipal division, the town of Zhizdra is incorporated within Zhizdrinsky Municipal District as Zhizdra Urban Settlement.