WELCOME TO UKRAINE!

An independent state, with rich cultural and proud history, is situated in Central Europe. Ukraine borders Russia to the north east, Belarus to the north, and Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldavia to the west. Ukraine's most southern borders are the waterways of   the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.

Territory

Territorially Ukraine is the largest country in Europe with the area of 603.5 thousand sq. km.

Climate and geographical features

The country's climate is moderate and continental with mild and snowy winters and dry and warm summers. In the Crimea, Ukraine's most southern region, the climate is subtropical and Mediterranean, making it a popular holiday resort destination.

The territory of Ukraine is comprised mainly of flatlands with the exception of Carpathian Mountains to the west, (Hoverla, the highest peak 2081m above sea level) and the Crimean Mountains to the south (Mount Roman Kosh 1545m above sea level).

The largest rivers of Ukraine are the Dnipro, Dnister and Pivdennyy Buh. Ukraine is famous for its mineral rich waters used for medicinal purposes at a variety of health resorts throughout the country. Some of better-known resorts include: Truskavets, Myrhorod, Morshyn, Polyana and Syniak. Ukraine has 5 natural parks and 15 wildlife preserves.

Population

The population of Ukraine is 50 million and is comprised mainly of Ukrainians as an ethnic group. Other ethnic groups residing in Ukraine include: Russians, Byelorussians, Jews, Poles, Tatars, Germans, Greeks, etc. The largest city in Ukraine is Kyiv. Kyiv, the state's capital, boasts a population of 2.6 million people. The next largest cities are the industrial centres of Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Odessa and Lviv.

History

The history of Ukraine has been both turbulent and complicated. The state was formed in the Middle Ages as the powerful Kyivan-Rus and then was part of the Galician-Volynsk principality. Ukraine suffered through ages under Polish, Austro-Hungarian, and Russian occupation and survived 70 years of Soviet totalitarian rule. On August 24, 1991, Ukraine was declared an independent state.

Religion

Christianity is the leading religion in the country with the most residents being of the Orthodox and Greek Catholic denomination.

Language

The official language is Ukrainian.

Electricity

The standart voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts.

Visitors to Ukraine, having electric appliances with North-American connection, need an adapter/transformer.

International time

When you travel to Ukraine you shouldn't forget that Ukraine's time is two hours later than Greenwich Mean Time. To save power in daylight time clocks are advanced one hour from the last Sunday in March till the last Sunday in September.

Gratuities (tips)

A 4% service charge is often added to restaurant bills, but you may still add your own tip. About 10% is recommended.

Operating hours

Hours of work in Ukraine are usually eight hours per day, Monday to Friday, with a lunch-break between 1:00 and 2:00 p. m. Most banks are open from 9:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

State holidays

January 1      New Year’s Day

January 7      Christmas Day

March 8        International Women's Day

Easter          One Sunday in spring

May 1-2        Labor Day

May 9           Victory Day (W.W.II)

Holy Trinity One Sunday of summer

June 28         Constitution Day

August 24     Independence Day