Ukraine

Overview

Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe. It is Europe’s second-largest country after Russia.

The country recorded a population of 41.98 million in 2019 and 603,628 km2.

Kiev is its capital and largest city.

Other urban cities are Odesa, Kharkiv, Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk.

The capital, Kyiv (Kiev)

History

Ukraine proclaimed independence after the Revolution of Russia in 1918.

The Russian Red Army invaded the country and established the Soviet rule in 1921.

Ukraine became fully independent after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Food & culture

Its culture is influenced by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

The crops grown in the country are cereals, sugar beets and sunflower.

The popular dishes are paska, borscht, varenyky, holubtsi, chicken kyiv, deruni and holobtsi.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals are roe deer, wild pigs, wild cats, martens, wild sheep, elk, mouflon, foxes and wolves.

Festivals & events

The main celebrated events include Independence Day of Ukraine on 24th August, Ostrov Festival, Gogol Festival, White Nights Festival, Leopolis Jazz Fest, Centaurs Horse Stunt Festival, Ivan Kupala and The April Palm Week.

Things to see

There is the St. Sophia’s Cathedral, a popular landmark in Kiev city is an architectural monument which was the first in the country to be listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There is also the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, which is a historic Orthodox Christian monastery in Kiev.

Also, there is the Golden Gate of Kyiv that was the principal gate during the 11th-century fortifications of Kyiv.

Other must-visit sites are Independence square, Khreschatyk street, St. Andrew’s Church,

Interesting facts

The major religion is Eastern Orthodoxy.

The official language is Ukrainian.

The country is one of the largest grain producer countries in the world.

Ukraine

At a glance

Before you go