located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe. It shares borders with Belarus to the north, Russia to the northeast, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south.
Geography
Climate
Ukraine experiences a diverse climate, with continental, Mediterranean, and maritime influences. The climate ranges from humid continental in the northwest to subtropical in the south. Winters can be cold, especially in the north, while summers are warm and sunny, particularly in the southern regions.
Fauna
Ukraine is home to a variety of fauna, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, wild boars, and deer. The country’s diverse ecosystems support numerous bird species, such as eagles, falcons, and storks. The Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine are particularly rich in biodiversity.
Longest Rivers
The Dnieper is the longest river in Ukraine, stretching approximately 2,285 kilometers from its source in Russia to the Black Sea. Other major rivers include the Dniester, Southern Buh, and Donets.
Highest Mountains
The highest peak in Ukraine is Hoverla, which stands at 2,061 meters (6,762 feet) above sea level. Hoverla is part of the Carpathian Mountains, which form the country’s natural border with Poland, Slovakia, and Romania.
History
Prehistory
Ukraine has a rich archaeological heritage dating back to the Paleolithic era, with evidence of human habitation spanning tens of thousands of years. The region was inhabited by various ancient cultures, including the Trypillian and Cucuteni civilizations.
Medieval Period
During the Middle Ages, Ukraine was part of the Kievan Rus’ federation, which emerged as a powerful state in the 9th century. Kyiv, the capital of modern-day Ukraine, was the center of the Kievan Rus’ and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe.
Modern Age
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Ukraine came under the control of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire, leading to a period of political and cultural repression. The 20th century saw Ukraine experience significant turmoil, including the Ukrainian War of Independence, Soviet rule, and the devastating impact of World War II.
Recent History
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine declared independence and embarked on a path of democratic reforms and economic transition. However, the country has faced challenges, including political instability, corruption, and conflict in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Demographics
Ukraine has a population of approximately 41 million people, making it the 8th most populous country in Europe. The majority of the population identifies as Ukrainian, with significant Russian, Belarusian, and other ethnic minorities. Ukrainian is the official language, although Russian is widely spoken, especially in the eastern and southern regions.
Administrative Divisions
Ukraine is divided into 24 oblasts (regions), one autonomous republic (Crimea), and two independent cities with special status (Kyiv and Sevastopol). Each oblast is further subdivided into raions (districts) and cities of regional significance. The administrative divisions and their populations are as follows:
- Kyiv Oblast – Population: 1,793,000
- Kharkiv Oblast – Population: 2,631,000
- Lviv Oblast – Population: 2,512,000
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – Population: 3,230,000
- Donetsk Oblast – Population: 4,058,000
- 10 Largest Cities by Population
- Kyiv – Population: 2,967,000
- Kharkiv – Population: 1,430,000
- Dnipro – Population: 980,000
- Odesa – Population: 1,010,000
- Donetsk – Population: 948,000
- Zaporizhzhia – Population: 744,000
- Lviv – Population: 720,000
- Kryvyi Rih – Population: 653,000
- Mykolaiv – Population: 499,000
- Mariupol – Population: 455,000
Education Systems
Education in Ukraine is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. The system includes primary, secondary, and higher education levels. Ukraine is home to several prestigious universities, including:
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
- National Technical University of Ukraine “Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”
- Lviv Polytechnic National University
- National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy
Transportation
Airports
Ukraine has a total of 25 airports, with the major ones being:
- Boryspil International Airport (Kyiv)
- Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany)
- Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport
- Odesa International Airport
- Kharkiv International Airport
Railways
Ukraine has an extensive railway network, with a total length of approximately 22,300 kilometers. The railway system connects major cities and towns across the country.
Highways
Ukraine has a well-developed road network, including highways and expressways. The total length of highways in Ukraine is approximately 164,000 kilometers, with major routes connecting key cities and regions.
Ports
The major ports in Ukraine include:
- Port of Odesa
- Port of Mykolaiv
- Port of Kherson
- Port of Mariupol
- Port of Berdiansk
Country Facts
- Population: 41 million
- Capital: Kyiv
- Language: Ukrainian (official), Russian
- Religion: Predominantly Orthodox Christianity
- Race: Ukrainian, Russian, Belarusian, others
- Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)
- ISO Country Codes: UA, UKR
- International Calling Code: +380
- Top-Level Domain: .ua