Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe. It has its own original culture, rich traditions and unique nature, its history going back over 1,500 years. The country is located in the south-eastern part of Europe, has a common land border with Belarus in the north, Poland in the west, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova in the south-west, and Russia in the east. The south of Ukraine is washed by the Black and Azov Seas.
The national symbols of Ukraine are the State Emblem, the State Flag, the National Anthem, and its folk symbols include a rushnyk (an embroidered or woven towel), a pysanka (an Easter egg decorated with traditional folk designs), a vyshyvanka (an embroidered shirt), which are symbols-charms of the Ukrainian people.
Ukraine is a multinational state and a home for 134 national minorities, Catholic and Protestant churches, a synagogue, a mosque, prayer houses of many other religious denominations, schools with in-depth studies of the national cultures, etc.
The total population of Ukraine is about 43 million people. Approximately 78% of its population are Ukrainians. In addition, Russians, Belarusians, Crimean Tatars, Jews, Moldavians, Poles, Hungarians, Romanians, Greeks, Germans, Bulgarians and other nationalities live in Ukraine. Ukraine is a home to people of different nationalities. Any citizen of any nationality feels free here. Ukrainians are worldwide famous for their benevolent attitude towards other nations, their loyalty and high international tolerance.
The official language is Ukrainian. Most Ukrainians speak Russian. In some regions local population speak the language of other nations (Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, Tatar, etc.).
Most of the population of Ukraine are Christians, majority of them are Orthodox. Ukrainian society is very loyal to people of other religions.
The national currency in Ukraine is hryvnia (UAH). Hard currency can be exchanged for hryvnia at almost any bank branch, as well as at specialized currency exchange offices.
Climate in Ukraine is temperate continental with distinct seasons. The average temperature in summer is between +19 and + 23 C, average winter temperature is – 7 C and below.
Ukraine is in UTC + 2 time zone (Kyiv time).
Ukraine has a large and ever-growing Internet sector. The cost of broadband subscription in Ukraine is moderate. Large cities have many areas with Wi-Fi coverage – public places including cafes, restaurants, schools etc.
Ukraine’s nature is rich and diverse. Owing to its geographical location and mild climate Ukraine has extensive steppes and dense forests, gentle seas and majestic mountains, wild rivers and quiet lakes.
On top of that, through its glorious millennial history Ukraine boasts numerous attraction sites from ancient churches and cathedrals to medieval palaces and fortresses. More than 150 thousand historic, cultural and architectural landmarks reflect the history of the Ukrainian people.
Each tourist can choose an optimal route according to own interests: natural reserves, historic sites and museums, modern city, getaways in the mountains or at the seaside, and even a gastronomic tour of Ukraine since Ukrainian cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world.
Since 2014 Ukraine is actively moving towards European integration. An Association Agreement with the EU was signed by the Ukrainian government, numerous reforms are currently implemented. Ukrainians are enthusiastic about living in Europe and share European values.
The country is actively developing and moving forward. One can say with confidence that Ukraine is the youth of modern Europe.
