ukraine

Independence from the Soviet Union declared in August 24, 1991

       Demography and geography:

• The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv
• Population of Ukraine is above 47 millions, mostly ethnic Ukrainians  
• Total area – 603.628 km² 
• It is the second largest country in Europe (after the European part of Russia, before France), bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Byelorussia, Moldavia, Russia on the land and by Turkey, Bulgaria and also Russia on the sea 
• Ukraine has a mostly temperate continental climate, although a more Mediterranean climate is found on the southern Crimean coast.
• Precipitation is disproportionately distributed; it is highest in the west and north and lesser in the east and southeast.
• Sunny and warm summers, snowy winters, mild springs and falls - all the seasons meet here!

      History and cultural heritage:

• Plenty of exciting landmarks of National importance
• few sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list
• well-known Orthodox Christian holy places, caves and miraculous relics

• Many sites of  Jewish Heritage 

      Religion:

• The dominant religion in Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox Christianity

      Political and economic environment:

• Declared strategy of tight partnership with the European Community
• Official currency: Ukrainian Hryvna ( 1 EUR = 11,3 ± 0.5UAH )
• Massive foreign investments in heavy industry and IT services

      Safe and easy to get around:

• Good health infrastructures and wide range of public transports
• Few international airports, new big Terminals in Kiev airport