Final answer:
The city located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea is St. Petersburg. This historically significant city is Russia's second-largest and serves as a key port on the Baltic Sea. It was named by Peter the Great to showcase Russia's might and has had various names throughout its history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city that lies on the Neva River, at the head of the Gulf of Finland, and the Baltic Sea is St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and serves as western Russia's leading port city. It has a rich history, having been founded by Peter the Great in the early 18th century to serve as a modern European capital and as a display of Russia's growing power.
During its history, St. Petersburg has been known by several names, including Petrograd and Leningrad, before reverting to its original name. Due to its strategic location, St. Petersburg has played a pivotal role in Russian trade and politics. It stands as a hub for cultural and economic activities, where historic architecture and modern amenities coexist.
The city's historical significance and port status are comparable to the importance of the Volga River, which is the longest river in Europe and connects the Moscow region to the Caspian Sea. While St. Petersburg was built to rival other European capitals, cities like Murmansk and Arkhangelsk to the far north on the Barents Sea play crucial roles in Russia's military and economic sectors, respectively.