The city got its name from the Uzh River, which divides the city into two halves (the old and new sections). Uzh means ringed snake (Natrix natrix), and horod is Rusyn for city, coming from Old Slavonic grad. However, this name is a recent construct, and has been used only since the beginning of the 20th century. Before then, the city was known as Ungvar, also spelled Ongvar, Hungvar, and Unguyvar.

Its population in 2004 was 111,300.

According to archeological data Uzhgorod was founded in 9th century. The settlement was first time mentioned in 903. In 10-11th centuries Uzhgorod was apart of Kievan Rus.

Uzhgorod position has long given it trading and military significance. At the end of the 11th century Uzhgorod was under Hungary's control, since the end of the 17th century - under Austria's control.

In 1919 Uzhgorod city passed to Czechoslovakia and to Hungary in 1938, back to Czechoslovakia in 1945 and to the Soviet Union in the same year.

Uzhgorod city is one of the biggest industrial centers of Across-the-Carpathians area. Uzhgorod's industries include the manufacture of machine tools, furniture, veneer as well as food-processing industries.

Uzhgorod city has a university founded in 1945. Among the architectural sights of Uzhgorod city are castle (11th century), cathedral (17th century), bishop's castle (1646), Catholic Church in baroque style (1762-1767).