Kanash is the administrative center of Kanashskiy / Kanash District. It is located 76 km from Chuvashia"s capital Cheboksary.
    Kanash was founded in 1891. Between 1891 and 1925 it was named Shikhrany. 2002 population—50,593, area—18.5 km². Kanash is located at a major railroad junction.