| Regions: | Cental | Precarpathian | Transcarpathian | Southern |
| Cities: | Kyiv Uman Mirgorod |
Lviv Morshyn Ivano-Frankivsk Truskavets |
Uzhgorod
Svalyava |
Odessa Crimea Yalta Sevastopol |
Ukraine is a country located
in Eastern Europe.
Territory of Ukraine is 603.7
thousand sq. km. It has 49 mln. inhabitants. The greatest distance between
the western and the eastern points is 1300 km, between the northern
and the southern points - 900 km.
Total length of the state
border makes up 7698 km. Climate is moderate continental, only at the
extreme south it is subtropical. The longest river is Dnieper, its total
length is 2201 km, and to Ukraine corresponds 981 km. Ukrainian Carpathian
Mountains represent the greatest mountain system, which is stretched
for about 270 km long and 100-110 km wide. Goverla is the pique of the
Carpathian Mountains, its height is 2061 m.
City of Kyiv, which is located
on the banks of the river Dnieper, is the capital of Ukraine.
Ukrainian nation formed itself on the territory
of contemporary Ukraine during thousands years. Historians found its roots
in Tripolye culture, which existed on the lands of the Middle Dnieper in
the 3rd millenium A.C., and also in the heritage of Scythians and in Chernyakhovsky
monuments. About 1100 years ago on the Ukrainian lands powerful medieval
monarchy - Kiev Rus - spread out.In 988 during the period of governing of Vladimir I the Great, Kiev Rus went through an event, which remained carved in its history forever under the name of "Baptism of Rus". Christianity became unique state religion.
Prince Vladimir II Monomach (1113-1125) was the last of Kiev princes, which starved for preservation of unity and might of Kiev Rus.
Age of Zaporizka Sich was one of the brightest periods in Ukrainian history. Cossacks of Zaporizhya were excellent warriors. They struggled for freedom of Ukraine and gained many brilliant victories in battles against forces of Osman empire and Rzecz Pospolita.
During 1917-1921 Naddneprianska Ukraine (or the Great Ukraine) turned into a scene of desperate struggle with participation of 6 armies. In 1922 Ukraine joined the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and remained in it till 1991, when after disintegration of the USSR it became an independent state.
Contemporary Ukraine is an independent European state, it is open for multifaceted collaboration with all interested states. It made a valuable contribution into strengthening of security and stability in European region. This is supported by political and economical transformations within the country, its participation in activity of international security systems, carrying out of peacemaking and humanitarian operations.
The most important achievement of Ukraine in foreign policy is its choice of way which leads to the full-scale integration into European and Transatlantic structures. Ukraine is a member of European Council and OSCE and works actively on joining EC. After entering in force in January 1998 of Partnership and Collaboration Agreement between Ukraine and EC, Ukraine continues to develop actively its political, economical, financial, social and military relations to European Community.
From
the total population of 49 mln. persons, 80 percent are Ukrainians. And
the rest are those who come from the CIS countries, as well as Poles,
Hungarians, Romanians, Greeks, Germans, Bulgarians and representatives
of other nations. Official language is Ukrainian. However Russian language
is also widely spread in Ukraine. As a rule people of Eastern and Central
regions of Ukraine uses mostly Russian language.
In Ukraine live considerable
number of believers. Main part of them are followers of Christianity,
and they are divided into Orthodox and Greek-Catholic confessions.
Today we may recall many names
of famous Ukrainians, which glorified Ukrainian state at various stages
of its development in opinion of the whole world. Among them there are
hetman Bogdan Khmelnitsky, national hero of Ukraine, and Taras Shevchenko,
a great poet of Ukrainian nation, and Vladimir Vernadskiy, an outstanding
scientist.
Leonid Kuchma, present leader
of the state, leads the country with confidence pursuing a course of reforms.
High economical potential of
Ukraine is inseparably linked to its cultural development, its inwardness.
Century-old history of Ukraine also gave birth to innumerable manifestations
of high spirituality of its talented people. Ukrainian culture was enriched
and perfected since the times of Tripolye culture and till the present.
Today it may be rightfully put side by side with cultures of highly developed
European countries.
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Deep original art of Ukraine
absorbed traditions of many artistic cultures which changed one another
at its territory. It is reflected in architecture and fine arts of Ukraine.
- VISA
To enter Ukraine, a visa is needed for all non-Ukrainian citizens except the CIS citizens and persons with diplomatic or special passports of the countries who have appropriate agreements with Ukraine. The best and cheapest way to obtain a visa is through the Ukrainian consulate or embassy in your country prior to departure.
- AIRPORT
Almost all international flights to Kyiv arrive to Boryspil International Airport, located 30 kilometers from the city center. The city's other main airport Zhuliany-Kyiv, located 7 kilometers from the center, handles domestic flights. The most convenient way to get to central Kyiv from Boryspil airport is by taxi. Taking into account the fact that taxi drivers do not usually speak English, you should have your destination written on paper in Russian or Ukrainian. There are also shuttle buses connecting Boryspil airport to central Kyiv.
- MONEY
Currently the national currency is Hryvna. You may not leave the country with Hryvna, so be sure to spend them, or exchange them before you leave.
- TRAVELER'S
CHECKS
Traveler's checks can be cashed at Intourist hotels and a number of banks and exchange offices.
- CURRENCY
EXCHANGE
You can exchange US dollars or DM at a number of locations throughout the city. If you arrive at Boryspil Airport, you find currency exchange offices located in the airport. Once you are in the city it is suggested to change money at hotels or official exchange offices. Beware of changing money on the streets or with private individuals. It is illegal, and it can be dangerous.
- CREDIT
CARDS
Some outlets take credit cards - VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners. However, it is important to check in advance what cards are accepted in hotel or restaurant.
- ELECTRICITY
The standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine is 220 V. You may need a converter as well as an Eastern European plug adapter if you bring electrical appliances.
- BARS
and RESTAURANTS
At disposal of foreign tourists there is a wide network of bars, restaurants, night clubs and casinos. Dishes and drinks are offered here for visitors with diverse particular taste. Restaurants offer dishes of European and Oriental kitchen. However Ukrainian kitchen and its traditional dishes are very popular with foreign guests. Average breakfast costs 5-10 USD, lunch - 25-40 USD. Tips usually make up 5-10% of a bill.
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Sport is very beloved in Ukraine. Preference is given to light athletics, football, boxing, basketball, athletic and artistic gymnastics. Let's recall Ukrainian sprinter Valeriy Borsov, who established a world record on 100 m race, pole-jumper Sergey Bubka, Ukrainian football club "Dinamo" Kiev, many times it was champion of the country, two times winner of the UEFA Cup.
Perhaps the most popular in Europe and all over the world today are Ukrainian boxers, brothers Vitaliy and Vladimir Klichko, who burst swiftly into professional boxing. At their account there are many splendid, exciting fights, which gave great pleasure to admirers of boxing.
