 About Ukraine  The former Soviet republic of Ukraine is situated on the western portion of the Eastern European plain, with the Carpathian Mountains to its south and the Crimean Mountains in its south. It stretches for more than 893 kilometers from north to south, and 1316 kilometers east to west. Its area is 603.7 thousand square kilometers, or 5.7% of the area of Europe and 0.44% of the world area. Because of its favorable geographical location in the center of Europe and its well-developed air, railway, sea, and motor transport networks, it’s a transit country for passengers and cargo from different countries.
Ukraine is situated in the temperate zone and is washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in the south. It borders Belarus in the north, the Russian Federation in the northeast and east, and Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova in the west. Its border is 6500 kilometers long.
Population Based on the 2001 census, Ukraine’s population is an estimated 49.5 million people. That makes it the fifth most-populated country in Europe (after Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France) and the twenty-first most populated country in the world. The majority of people in Ukraine live in cities or towns (68%), while 31% percent of the population lives in rural areas. Average population density is 85 people per square kilometer. Relief Ukraine is mainly flat. Ninety-five percent of its land is plains and about five percent is mountainous. The flat part of the country consists of the three geographical belts: the forest region, the forest-steppe region, and the steppe region. They differ in climatic peculiarities and vegetation. Ukraine is divided into two climate zones. There are moderate latitudes and Mediterranean-style subtropics (the southern part of the Crimea). The mountainous regions of the country have special climatic conditions because of their vertical partition, different atmospheric circulations, and so on. In general, Ukraine has a moderate climate, with four distinct seasons. Land is one of the most important natural resources in Ukraine. Two thirds of the land area has “chernozem” soil – that is, exceptionally fertile black earth. Specialists estimate that a quarter of the world’s chernozem soil is located in Ukraine. Ukraine has a well-spread-out network of rivers. There are, in fact, 73 thousand rivers and about 20 thousand lakes in Ukraine. The biggest river is the Dnipro, the third longest river in Europe. More than 30,000 different types of plants grow in Ukraine. Agriculture and economy are greatly reliant on natural plant resources in different areas such as breeding or bee-keeping. Because of diversified natural conditions, there are about 44,800 different animals in Ukraine. Governance in Ukraine Ukraine is governed according to the principle of popular rule. There are three branches of state power: the legislature, the executive, and the judicial authority. Principles of political, economic, and ideological diversity are determined and maintained by the constitution of Ukraine. Ukraine is a unitary state, the territory of which is integral and inviolable. Ukrainian is the official state language. The constitution determines that the president of Ukraine is the head of the country and acts on behalf of the state. The parliament is the only legislative body in the country and is known as the Supreme Council of Ukraine. Deputies, elected representatives of the people, are elected by the citizens on the basis of a common, equal, and direct secret vote. Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers is the supreme executive power body. The constitution and Ukrainian laws and acts provide the legislative base for its activity. The president and parliament supervise and control the government. On top
About Kyiv
 An old legend has it that in the first century A.D. St. Andrew the Apostle erected a cross on a steep hill overlooking the Dnipro River and predicted a great future for the city that would rise on its site.
Kyiv is 1,500 years old. The city is Ukraine’s leading industrial and business center and distinguished by its rich architecture and cultural life. Take a walk through the ancient streets of this scenic city, and you’ll feel its unique beauty and the spirit of the past. Your stay in Kyiv is certain to be a memorable experience. Kyiv Pecherska Lavra The Dnipro River hills are dominated by the greatest historical monument of Kyiv, the Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. Cells were built in hillside caves above the Dnipro as early as 1051. The monastery was a center of chronicle, religious, and polemic writing, and a cultural and educational center. A complex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, combine to create an acknowledged holy place for the world’s Orthodox Christians. The Lavra is also famous for its caves bearing saints' relics. Museum collections of miniatures and church treasures amaze visitors from all over the world. In 1990, the Lavra architectural complex was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. National Opera House This handsome theater is located right in downtown Kyiv, not far from Khreschatyk. Its beautiful exterior is complemented by a majestic interior design. The theater's creative efforts are concentrated on productions of classical Ukrainian and Russian operas and ballets, in addition to classics from the Western repertoire. Professional actors, creative lighting, and glorious decorations leave a most favorable impression of Ukraine's dramatic art scene. St. Sophia Cathedral St. Sophia's 13 beautiful golden domes nicely blend in with the city skyline. This grandiose architectural ensemble was built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century in commemoration of the Slavs’ victory over the Pecheneg tribe. The cathedral became a major cultural and political center of Kyivan Rus and a site for receiving ambassadors from many countries. It hosted the ceremony during which princes took the throne, housed the debates of the Kyiv “veche” (or people’s assembly), and was the site of Rus’ first library. The marble sarcophagus of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, a wooden carved iconostasis dating from the 18th century, Byzantine-style frescoes, a cathedral choir, monumental wall decorations, and mosaics from the 11th century are all among the attractions here. Mariyinsky Palace This gorgeous blue and cream palace was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also built much of Saint Petersburg, and was built under the supervision of the Russian architect Ivan Michurin. The palace is located atop a hill in a graceful park overlooking the Dnipro River. The magnificent building was used as the Kyiv residence of the Russian tsar's family. Today the palace is used for official state receptions such as presidential meetings and international conferences. Andriyivsky Uzviz Kyiv’s most ancient and steepest street, Andriyivsky Uzviz is a favorite place for outdoor fairs, festivals, and streetcorner concerts. Since the days of the Kyivan Rus, a thousand years ago, this street has connected the upper part of the city with the lower part. Today it’s infused with a 19th century spirit. It’s Kyiv’s Montmarte, featuring souvenir shops and cafes, all full of charm. Art galleries, shops, and studios make this street the best place to shop for Ukrainian crafts and artworks. The museums located here reveal the history of the legendary street and indeed of the whole of Kyiv. Independence Square Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) is the city's main square and one of the most popular places for meeting. Ukraine's movement for independence from Moscow began in this square when hundreds of university students went on a hunger strike in 1989, leading eventually to the demise of the Communist Party in Ukraine. In 2004, Maidan became famous all over the world because the Orange Revolution was centered here. Khreschatyk The center of the city is Khreschatyk, a grand boulevard that follows what used to be the bottom of a small valley. Now it’s a gorgeous street on which terraced gardens are interspersed with tall office and apartment buildings. The gardens, the trees lining the street, and the intersecting buildings, combined with the colors of brick and red and gray granite and decorative ceramic tiles, give Khreschatyk an attractive atmosphere that’s much admired by Kyiv's inhabitants. On weekends traffic is blocked on Khreschatyk and crowds can enjoy a pleasant walk down the middle of the street.
On top Museums  Museum of One Street
This museum features displays on writers, scientists, social leaders, and artistic figures and also gives information about the traditions, past, and festivities of its Andriyivsky Uzviz neighborhood, known as the Ukrainian Montmarte. Address: Andriyivsky Uzviz, 2b
Working hours: 9:00-18:00
Mykhail Bulgakov Museum The legendary Russian writer Mykhail Bulgakov was born in this house, and set his novel “The White Guard” here. Bulgakov is most famous for writing “ The Master and Margarita.” This museum is an excellent introduction to the life and work of a great Russian writer. Address: Andriyivsky Uzviz, 13
Working hours: 9:00-18:00 Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko Art Museum One of the best museums in Ukraine, the Khanenko museum is located in the mansion in which lived the namesake couple, who were pre-revolutionary art collectors. The museum contains work by early and high Renaissance painters, Velazquez’s “Portrait of the Infant Margaret” and the unique “Adoration of the Magi.” There’s even a Rembrandt. Address: Tereschenkivska Street, 15
Working hours: 9:00-18:00 The Museum of Historic Valuables of Ukraine The exhibits here include world-class valuables and jewelry that were discovered on Ukrainian territory. Of exceptional value is the collection of Scythian gold, in particular the “Pectoral” – a queen’s decoration piece considered to be one of the most important finds of the second half of the 20th century. Address: Sichnevogo Povstannya Street, 21/12
Working hours: 9:00-18:00  The Ukrainian Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life
Spend three or four hours at this wonderful outdoor museum of folk architecture and you’ll have a great sense of the diversity and grandeur of the Ukrainian people’s cultural heritage. From time to time ethnographic fairs are held here. Artworks are often held here as well. An ideal place to spend a sunny day. Address: Pyrohiv Village, Chervonopraporna
Working hours: 9:00-18:00
On top Business Hours  Business hours in Ukraine are quite regular. Most grocery stores and supermarkets open at 8 or 9 am, while other shops open at 10 am. Most shops work until 8 or 9 pm, while supermarkets usually stay open until 10 pm or later, including at the weekends. Banks admission hours are usually between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm with a lunch break between 1 and 2 pm. Offices usually work from 9 am till 6 pm.
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Communications Express Delivery Express Delivery services are available to and from Kyiv. All incoming mail must pass customs and any goods sent will be assessed customs duty.  GSM Operators
Your cell phone will work in Ukraine as long as your operator has a roaming agree¬ment with Ukrainian mobile communica¬tion providers; therefore contact your oper¬ator to see if you can count on your phone. Or you can buy a SIM card here in Kyiv, put it in your phone and use it for both domestic and international calls.
Calling from city payphones requires buy¬ing a calling card. You can buy one at any post office or at press kiosks. Internet Cafes Internet cafes are located all around the city, including at the main post office on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). Rates average about 5.00 UAH to 10.00 UAH or approximately $1.00 to $2.00 per hour. Post Office The main post office in Kyiv is located at 22 Khreschatyk Street, on Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). Here you can buy stamps, send letters and packages, buy discount telephone cards, use the Internet.
On top Electrical Circuits Ukrainian's main current is 220 V and sockets are unfit for European and US electric appliances, so having a universal adapter and voltage transformer is essential if you plan to use your laptop.
On top Language  Ukrainian is Ukraine's official language and is widely spoken in Kyiv, but Russian predominates in the city. Some knowledge of English is fairly common among young people.
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Money Cash The Ukrainian national currency is the hryvnya. US dollars and Euros can be exchanged at exchange offices around Kyiv. Rumpled, torn, written-on bills are generally not accepted by such offices, but they are at some banks. Credit Cards Many shops, hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards. However, do not rely solely on credit cards and always have some cash with you.
On top Public Holidays The following public holidays are days off in Ukraine: January 1 — New Year, January 7 - Christmas, March 8 - Women's Day, the Monday fol¬lowing Easter Day, May 1-2 - Labor Day, May 9 - Victory Day, Monday following the Holy Trinity Day (usually in mid-summer), June 28 - Constitution Day, August 24 - Inde¬pendence Day.
On top Public Transportation  Taxi
Taxis can be ordered by phone. However, private cars and taxis swarm the city streets, so getting a ride is not a problem. Private cars (locals who have cars and on occasion act as a taxi) cost significantly less than taxis. Beware of getting into a private car with more than one person already inside. Although this is the most common way of getting a ride, one should be cautious and careful. Most drivers usually do not speak English. Negotiate and agree on a price beforehand.
Metro  Kyiv boasts a very convenient, safe, and inexpensive metro system. You can buy tokens at any metro station. The price of one token is 0.5 UAH, and it allows you to transfer from line to line.
Busses, Trolleys and Trams Busses, trolleys and trams remain popular among the Kyiv population, which is why they're so crowded during the rush hours. A ticket costs 0.5 UAH and is valid for busses, trolleys and trams. Privately owned minibuses (marshrutkas) offer more convenience in terms of the routs they follow. The cost of a ride ranges from 1 to 1,75 UAH. You pay as you enter the bus. Driving Most international driving rules apply in Kyiv. However, beware that local drivers fail to follow many driving laws - they love to step on the gas. Officially, speed limits are 60 kph/37 mph in cities, 90 kph/56 mph in unpopulated areas, and 120 kph/72 mph on highways. You can turn right on red lights, wherever there are signs. Parking in Kyiv is as difficult as in any other major European city. In downtown Kyiv, many motorists park their cars on the sidewalks. Ukraine is a Zero Tolerance country, so please do not drink and drive.
On top Religion  More than 97% of the religious communities now registered in Ukraine are Christian. About half of these communities are of the Orthodox tradition. The other half is divided among Catholics and Protestants.
There are three major Orthodox jurisdictions in Ukraine: - Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate
- Ukraine Orthodox Church – Kyivan Patriarchate
- Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church
There are three Catholic churches represented in Ukraine: - Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
- Roman Catholic Church
- Armenian Catholic Church
In addition, there has been an apostolic nuncio in Ukraine since 1992. Ukraine also has Jewish and Muslim communities. Ukraine contains the third-largest Jewish community in Europe and the fifth-largest Jewish community in the world. Muslims in Ukraine have 391 communities and over 150 mosques. Historically, Crimea was the center of the spread of Islam in Ukraine. Non-traditional and new religious movements have also come to Ukraine. The number of these communities are growing, as is the number of people they are attracting.
On top Time Zone Ukraine is in the Eastern European Time Zone (UTC/GMT +2 hours). Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Ukraine, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). After the summer months the time in Ukraine is shifted back by 1 hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or (GMT+2). On top
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