Yaroslavl Oblast is a federal subject of Russia (an oblast), which is located in the Central Federal District, surrounded by Tver, Moscow, Ivanovo, Vladimir, Kostroma, and Vologda Oblasts. This geographic location affords the oblast the advantages of proximity to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Additionally, the administrative center of the oblast-the city of Yaroslavl-is an intersection of major highways, railroads, and waterways.

The climate is moderate continental, with snowy winters and a short but rather hot summer. Formerly almost all territory was covered with thick conifer forest (fir, pine), but now a large portion of it has been replaced with birch-and-aspen secondary forests and crop fields. Swamps also take considerable areas.

Large animals have been much reduced in numbers, but there are still some bears, wolves, foxes, elks, and wild boars.

A great number of wild birds live and nest in the Oblast.

In cities, most common birds are pigeons, jackdaws, hooded crows, rooks, house sparrows, and great tits.