The composition of macro-regions in the «Strategy of Spatial Development of the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2025» is considered. The principles of allocation of the macro-region are analyzed from the position of compliance with the approaches of economic zoning. Within the vast territory of the Ural-Volga region, typical and transitional regions are distinguished, morphological features of the settlement system are analyzed, primarily in the river valleys. The conclusion is made about the internal heterogeneity of a number of proposed macro-regions.