Ukraine Introduction...

If you know nothing about Ukraine this could be useful for you. Also the information below could be interested for those who are already acquainted with Ukraine.

So first one should mind that Ukraine is the largest country in Europe, covering an area of 233,090 sq miles (603,700 km²). Located over the Black Sea and Sea of Azov it shares borders with seven different countries: Russia to the east, Belarus to the north; Romania and Moldova to the south; and Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary to the west.

Almost the entire country of Ukraine is a flat plain, with elevations generally below 350 m. The Carpathian Mountains intrude at the extreme west, and on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula the Crimean Mountains are located. The highest point in Ukraine is Mt. Hoverla in the Carpathians, with an elevation of 2061 m.

The climate of Ukraine is mostly temperate continental. A subtropical Mediterranean climate is prevalent on the southern portions of the Crimean Peninsula. The average monthly temperature in winter ranges from -8° to 2° C (17.6° to 35.6° F), while summer temperatures average 17° to 25° C (62.6° to 77° F).

Ukraine has a long history, which goes as far back as 5000 BC. But the Golden Age, Ukraine had at the period of Kievan Rus' while the reign of Vladimir the Great (980–1015), who turned Rus' toward Byzantine Christianity. During the reign of his son, Yaroslav the Wise (1019–1054), Kievan Rus' reached the zenith of its cultural development and military power. In recent history, Ukraine became one of the countries to be part of the Soviet Union. Ukraine became independent again in 1991. On August 24, 1991 the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Independence in which the parliament declared Ukraine as an independent democratic state.

The official language is Ukrainian. Ukrainian is a Slavic language (similar to Russian), which is taught and spoken throughout the country. Russian is also widely used within the major cities and eastern oblasts (counties). Among the youth there is a great eagerness to learn English and other western European languages.

Kiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population is over 3 000 000. The name Kiev is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city (brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and sister Lybid'). Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, it may have been founded in the 5th century as a trading post, perhaps part of the land of the early Slavs.

The population of Ukraine is over 46 million. According to the Ukrainian Census of 2001, ethnic Ukrainians make up 77.8% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups are Russians (17.3%), Belarusians (0.6%), Moldovans (0.5%), Crimean Tatars (0.5%), Bulgarians (0.4%), Hungarians (0.3%), Romanians (0.3%), Poles (0.3%), Jews (0.2%), Armenians (0.2%), Greeks (0.2%) and Tatars (0.2%). The literacy rate is an estimated 99.4%.

The dominant religion in Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which is currently split between three Church bodies: the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kiev Patriarchate, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church autonomous church body under the Patriarch of Moscow, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Ukrainian customs are heavily influenced by Christianity, which is the dominant religion in the country. Gender roles also tend to be more traditional, and grandparents play a greater role in raising children than in the West. The culture of Ukraine has been also influenced by its eastern and western neighbours, which is reflected in its architecture, music and art.

Tourist visas are no longer required for citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco, Iceland, Norway, San Marino, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan). This applies only for tourist travel lasting less than 90 days. For other countries, visas are obtainable within a few hours of visiting a Ukrainian consulate having received a 'letter of invitation' from one's prespective lodging or business provider.

Ukrainian cuisine is very tasty, but just as other cuisines in the region uses a lot of fat ingredients, especially in the festive dishes. Traditional local food includes "salo" (salted lard) and soups like "borshch" made of red beets or "solianka" which is a delicious meat soup. The first, salo, is perhaps something you might not make yourself try - however is a delicious side dish, as for the soups being a must-have dish.

Ukraine is fast developing country of young democracy with great history, well educated and open people and lots to see. By the way Ukraine occupies 8th place in the world by the number of tourists visiting, according to the World Tourism Organisation rankings.


Quick facts to know:

Official Name: Ukraine
Capital City: Kiev (Kyiv)
Location: Eastern Europe
Political Divisions: 24 oblasts (regions) and 1 autonomous republic (Crimea)
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian
Official Currency: Hryvnia (UAH) - 1 Hryvnia = 100 Kopiykas
Exchange Rate: $1.00 USD = 8.10 UAH (Jan 2010)
Religions: Eastern Orthodox Church
Population: 46,299,862 (July 2007 est.)
Land Area: 603,700 sq km (223,090 sq miles)
Independence: August 24, 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Time Zone: GMT+2
Electricity: 220 Volt/50 Hz Standard
Credit Cards: American Express, Cirrus, Maestro, MasterCard/Euro Card, Visa, Visa Electron
Business Hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Country Tel. Code: 38
Kiev Tel. Code: 044