What was the civilian population of Stalingrad before World War 2?

Before World War II, the civilian population of Stalingrad (now Volgograd, Russia) was approximately 400,000 people. The city was a significant industrial center, contributing to the Soviet war effort. Its population included a diverse mix of workers, families, and ethnic communities. The population faced significant challenges during the war, particularly during the brutal Battle of Stalingrad from 1942 to 1943.