Short Info:
- Language: Ukrainian
- Capital City: Kiev (Kyiv)
- Population: 48.055 million
- Area: 233,074 square miles (603,700 km²)
- Area comparative: Second largest country in Europe
- Telephone Calling Code(s): +380
- Electricity: 220V 50Hz
- Time Zones: GMT/UTC +2
- As of Jan 01, 2008: 1 UAH = 0.198018 USD
General Info:
Ukraine, known previously as the Ukraine, is a country in Eastern Europe bordering Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.
It is the second largest country in Europe with the area of 603,700 km2 (233,074 sq mi).
Most of the country’s landscape consists of grassy treeless steppes with Carpathian Mountains in the west, and long coast line (2,782 sq km or 1,729 sq mi) of the Black Sea and the much smaller Azov Sea in the south.
The mountains (Carpathian and Crimean) make up 5% of the country’s area. The highest peak is Mount Hoverla (2 061m or 6761 feet) in the Carpathians. The Dnieper is the main Ukrainian river and one of the longest in Europe.
The fertile steppes and moderate climate make for ideal conditions for agricultural production. Ukraine is one of the leading sugar producers in the world and the breadbasket of Europe. It grows beetroots, wheat, buckwheat, corn, and soft fruit. The region is rich in natural resources: iron ore, coal, color metal, oil, gas, clay, and mineral salts.
Major Cities: Kiev (Kyiv), Lviv (Lvov), Odessa (Odesa)
Climate:
Ukrainian climate is mostly temperate continental with Mediterranean like weather on Black Sea Coast. Winters are usually cold, well below the freezing point except Crimea with its mild weather. The summer tend be hot and dry.
Nature:
Flora: grass, pine forests, fir-trees, beeches, limes, oaks and elms and spruce
Fauna: Steppes: squirrel, marmot, jerboa, hamster, mice, steppe eagle, quail, skylark and pink starling.
Forest: deer, elk, roe deer, squirrel, wild boar, fox, wolf, brown bear, lynx, crane, black cock, wood grouse, starling and blue titmouse
Coast: cormorant, pelican, wild duck, martin, heron, sea gull, bittern
Sea: sturgeon, bullhead and mackerel.
Great Outdoors:
Ukraine offers great outdoor opportunities.
The Carpathians and Crimean Mountains are ideal for trekking, hiking, and mountain biking.
Horseback riding is very popular in Ukraine and a great way to get closer to the nature.
The long coastal area offers endless recreational options from sun tanning on the beach to diving and exploring the lost ships of the Black Sea.
Ukrainian National Parks:
Shats'kyi National Park – Mixed forest fauna and flora with 23 lakes including the biggest and deepest Ukrainian lake- Lake Svityaz. The park is also a Biosphere Reserve and many endangered species inhabit the area.
Desnyano-Starogutskyi National Park – River bank vegetation, wetlands and old pine forest covered with moss plus Red Book species.
Yovorivskyi National Park – Endangered species roam the alder, oak, pine-oak, and hornbeam-oak forests. Several historical monuments and churches are located within boundaries of the park.
National Park Podil'ski Tovtry – Minerals springs, Dniester River canyons, caves, lakes historical monuments, meadows, grasslands, forest and over 60 Red Book species.
Karpats'kyi National Park – Mountains with alpine and sub-alpine vegetation, spas, lodges and archaeological sites.
Worth mentioning is
Askaniya-Nova Biosphere Reserve – the oldest protected area in Ukraine and UNESCO biosphere reserve - Europe's only Festuca-Stipa grassland community with large numbers of animals inhabiting the area.
Culture:
Located between Europe and Asia, Western Ukraine is influenced by Europe and Eastern Ukraine influenced by Russia. This applies not only to culture but also other aspects of daily life including politics.
The Easter egg is Ukrainian invention. Tradition of waxed and dyed eggs predates Christianity and originated as symbol of sun, spring and rebirth of nature after long winter days.
To experience first hand rich Ukrainian culture one should visit and see wooden orthodox churches, castles, monasteries, traditional Cossack dances, traditional folk outfits. It is also a good idea to visit Ukraine during holiday period and see the celebrations.
Ukrainian Holidays:
- New Year - January 1
- Orthodox Christmas - January 7
- Women’s Day - March 8
- Easter - first Sunday (and Monday) after Passover
- Labor Day: - May 1-2
- Victory Day: - May 9
- Trinity Day: - June 7
- Constitution Day - June 28
- Independence Day - August 24
Cuisine:
Ukrainian cuisine was influenced by Russians, Poles, Germans and Turks.
Bread, meat, wild mushrooms, pickled vegetables and soft fruit are the basis of many meals.
While in Ukraine one should definitely try such specialties like beetroot soup (often with meat),
mushroom soup, pickled herring salad with onions, sauerkraut with mayonnaise,
walnuts and oil, fish (carp) soup, jellied meat or fish, crepes stuffed with meat, cheese, fruit or caviar,
sweet-sour beverage made from bread called "Kvas" and shish kebabs usually made from marinated lamb with vegetables.
If visiting during holidays Christmas Kutia (sweet dish made of wheat, poppy seeds, honey and nuts)
and Easter Paska bread are worth trying.
Health:
Recommended Immunizations: tetanus-diphtheria, measles, hepatitis A and B, rabies (many stray dogs roam around), tick-borne encephalitis (ticks are common in rural area and forests, it is a good idea to wear hat, long sleeves, boots and buy insect repellent)
Tap water must be boiled or filtered before drinking.
Internet:
In major urban areas Internet is easily accessible.
Important Telephone Numbers:
| Fire | 01 |
| Police | 02 |
| Ambulance | 03 |
| Gas Service | 04 |