For many foreigners Ukraine is «Terra Incognita»

General information

For many foreigners Ukraine is «Terra Incognita». Only a few remember from basic course of geography, that it is "the state near Russia, part of the former Soviet Union." More informed can say, that there is Chernobyl, that Ukraine is a motherland to the Klitschko brothers and Shevchenko (not the poet), there lives mysterious people, who wears wide red trousers, eats “salo” and “Chicken Kiev” and drinks “horilka”. And, unfortunately, this information doesn’t change from year to year. Despite the fact thatnumber of foreign tourists has almost doubled over the past 10 years it is still too little for the country, which ranks second in area and the fifth in population in Europe and has a huge untapped potential.

But we have much to show and to be proud of. Travel to Ukraine, and then dry geographical facts reveal their deeper meaning. You will see and-discover the majestic Carpathian Mountains, scenic canyons of Southern Crimea, gentle waters of the Azov and the Black seas, dense forests and endless steppes.

Today Ukraine is an ancient and young country. In every region, every city you will find evidence of its turbulent past. Here you will see fusion of many traditions of different peoples and nations, forming its own unique cultural identity. Walking through the narrow streets of Lviv and Odessa, ancient parks of Kiev you will find hidden mysteries of generations and secrets of history.

The charm of antiquity and charm of modernity are harmoniously combined in Ukraine. After enjoying the beauties of the past you can rest in a comfortable hotel room, arrange a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants and cafes or spend time in a nightclub.

The traditional Ukrainian hospitality, the beauty and uniqueness of nature and people, many historical and cultural sites will make your staying in Ukraine unforgettable.

Everyone will find a place in this country. Place in the theatre or concert hall, on the Dnepr’s observation area or inside of Lavra’s caves, near the memorials to unknown Sarmatia or Skiffs kings. Place in the club or on the stadium during European football forum.

We will find this places for you!

General information:

Geography: 

Ukraine is situated in East-Central Europe. The country is divided into 24 regions and the autonomous republic Crimea. It is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the West, by Belarus to the North and by the Russian Federation to the North-East and East. To the South lie the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Having the total area of 603,700 sq.km Ukraine is one of the biggest countries of Europe (it is 5,7% from Europe area and 0,44% from the world area).  Ukraine is bigger  than France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and Poland.

The highest areas are in the South -Crimean Mountains (mt. Ramantkosh, 1,545 meters) and in the West - Carpathian Mountains (mt. Hoverla, 2,061 meters).The biggest rivers are Dnipro, Dnister, Danube, Desna, Pivdenyj (Southern) Booh.

Minural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt and arable land.

Population:

The population of Ukraine is 46 million people, which represents about 18% of the population of the former Soviet Union.Ukrainians make up about 73% of the total; ethnic Russians number about 22%.Ukrainian and Russian are the principal languages, but about 88% of the population consider Ukrainian their native language.

Economy:

Ukraine is an industrial and agricultural country. It is rich in natural resources such as coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel and uranium. Highly developed industries include metallurgy, mining, power and fuel, machine-building, food production and textile.

Ukraine is important to world energy markets as it is a critical transit center for exports of Russian oil and natural gas to Eastern and Western Europe. It is a major energy producer (including nuclear power) and consumer.

The national economy includes heavy machine building, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, shipbuilding, automotive industry, manufacturing of agriculture machinery, production of power plants, oil extraction and equipment. Ukraine produces planes and ships, trucks and buses, motorcars and trains, computer and electronic equipment, precision instruments and agricultural machines, TVs and radios, and chemicals. Odessa, Sebastopol, Nikolaev, Kherson and Kerch are the main Ukrainian sea ports.

Governmental system:

Ukraine is a republic with a constitutional democracy form of government, headed by the President. The power is divided among executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Executive branch: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the President and approved by the Supreme Council.

Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council (Verkhovna Rada) of 450 seats.

National holidays:

January 1 - New Year

January 7 - Orthodox Christmas

March 8 - Women's Day

May 1, 2 - Labor Day

May 5 - Easter

May 9 - Victory Day

June 28 - Constitution Day

August 24 - Independence Day

Religion:

The dominant religions are the Orthodox  - 76%, Catholics of  much of which retains its links to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. Религия: Большинство верующих православные - 76%, Catholics of east ceremony (uniats) - 14 %, Protestants, Jews, Moslems.