Khvalynsk is a river port town in Saratov Oblast, Russia, located by the Volga River. Population: 13,094 (2010 census); 13,752 (2002 census); 14,948 (1989 Soviet census); 16,000 (1974). It is located on the right bank of the Volga, at the foot of the Khvalynsk Mountains, 180 kilometers (110 mi) northeast of Saratov and 160 kilometers (99 mi) southwest of Samara.
The place name stems from the old Russian name of the Caspian Sea: Хвалынское море, or "Khvalyn Sea". The latter is derived from the name "Khwalis" for the inhabitants of Khwarezm. The town is the namesake of the Khvalynsk Hills and Khvalynsk culture.
