KOSTROMA, a government of European Russia, lying between N. Lat. 57. and 59., and E. Long. 40. and 48.; and bounded on the N. by the government of Vologda, W. by Jaroslavl, S. by Vladimir and Nijegorod, and E. by Viatka. Area 31,378 square miles. The surface is in general flat, but the soil is not very fertile, being in the N. marshy, while in the S. it is clayey and sandy. The principal rivers are the Volga, and its affluent the Unsha and Vetuga. The climate is severe, but not unhealthy; winter is long and severe, while summer is short and frequently misty. The principal grain crop is rye, but the quantity grown is not equal to the consumption. Large quantities of flax and hemp are produced. The forests are extensive and valuable, principally the property of the crown. The rearing of cattle is little attended to; but the fisheries in the lakes and rivers are actively carried on. Various manufactures are also actively prosecuted in the government, particularly of linen and woollen goods, Russia leather, and brandy. Pop. (1851) 1,020,628.