The culture and history of the Ukrainian people date back many centuries. The roots of the Ukrainian nation go back into the deep of centuries to the tribes of the Trypillye culture, which played a big role in the formation of primitive tribal communities on the territory of Ukraine and the ancient forefathers of the Slavs. This ancient land remembers many civilizations. Cimmerians, Scythians, Taurians, Sarmatians, Goths, Greek city-states of the northern Black Sea coastal area and the Crimea left a notable trace in the history of our country and promoted the cultural enrichment of neighbouring tribes, with the Slavs among them.

Since August 24, 1991 when the Act of Independence of Ukraine from the Soviet Union was proclaimed, is Ukraine an independent country in Eastern Europe. It occupies an area of 603.7 sq. km. Ukraine extends from west to east for 1300 km, and from north to south for 900 km.

In the north Ukraine borders on Belorus, Poland and Slovak Republic, in the south-west — on Hungary, Romania and Moldova. The geographical point usually referred to as the “geographical centre of Europe” is situated in Ukraine, not far from the town of Rakhiv, Zakarpatska Oblast. In the south Ukraine is washed by the waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Natural scenery of Ukraine is picturesque. Forests cover about 14% of Ukraine’s territory. Over 70000 rivers flow through Ukraine. There are over 3000 natural lakes and about 22000 artificial water reservoirs in Ukraine, as well as many sources of mineral water and medicinal mud, which are used to treat many diseases. Ukraine has 5 National Parks, 15 National Preserves and a lot of smaller areas (dendrological parks, ancient urban and rural parks) protected by the state. Many places of natural beauty can be found in the Carpathians, the Crimea and Polissia.

Ukraine's climate is moderately continental; at the southern coast of the Crimea it can be described as subtropical of the Mediterranean type. Summers are mostly warm and dry and winters are usually mild and west. The average temperature in January is -7 Centigrade and in July +19 Centigrade.

Ukraine's population is 50.5 million, with about 80% of them being ethnic Ukrainians. Among ethnic minorities are Russians, Belorussians, Jews, Poles, Moldavians, Hungarians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Tatars, Germans and others. Administratively Ukraine is divided into 24 Oblasts and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. There are 447 towns and 28,800 villages in Ukraine. Kiev, the biggest city in Ukraine, has a population of ca. 3 mln; Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and Odessa all have a population of over one million.

The Ukrainians are famous for their humour, hospitality, friendliness and of course for their cheerfulness. They honour the traditions, respect the elders, love nature and animals.

Religion. Most of the believers in Ukraine are Christians of Orthodox denominations. There are also Judaists, Muslims and representatives of other confessions in Ukraine.

Ukrainian cuisine is closely linked to the customs, culture and way of life of the Ukrainian people. It is famous for its diversity and quality of flavour. The most popular Ukrainian meal is 'borshch'. This thick, hearty and delicious soup is prepared with a variety of ingredients including meat, beetroot, carrots, onion, beans, tomatoes, paprika and even prunes. Mushroom soups, bean and pea soups, soups with dumplings are also popular.

'Holubtsi', or stuffed cabbage, is another favourite meal, as are 'varenyky' (pierogis) filled with potatoes, meat, cheese, sauerkraut, or fruit such as blueberries or cherries. Varenyky are often mentioned in folk songs.

Ukrainian sausage is also very tasty. It is preserved in a special way - in porcelain vessels smothered in melted fat.

Alcohol is plentiful. The national drink is vodka, in Ukrainian horilka (a clear distillate of wheat or sometimes rye). The word comes from voda (water) and translates roughly as 'a wee drop'. The sacred dish to vodka is 'salo' - pig fat. Ukrainians age and prize it so obsessively as the French do wine. In summer common beverage is kvass or domestic wine.

When you stay in Kiev in short terms, you should taste a famous ukrainian dish named as 'cotleta po-kievsky' (type of chicken rissoles).

But of course, every region of Ukraine has its own recipes and traditions.

Economy. Ukraine is an industrial and agricultural country. It is rich in natural resources: coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, and uranium, to name just a few. Among better-developed industries are metallurgy, mining, power and fuel, machine building, food, and textile. Kiev, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia and Kryviy Rih are major industrial centres.

In most parts of Ukraine soil is suitable for growing grain, potatoes, sugar beets, corn and other crops. The area of the cropland in Ukraine is 32 mln. hectares. Ukraine has big seaports on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov coasts, which handle a considerable amount of trade with foreign countries.

The currency in Ukraine is Ukrainian Hryvna, coins are kopecks (1 Hryvna, UAH = 100 kopecks = approx. 0,2 €).

The State Emblem is a stylised trident. In the ancient times of Kievan-Rus — Ukraine it was the Grand Prince's coat of arms. There exist many interpretations of the significance of the trident but at least one thing is clear: it is an ancient Ukrainian symbol of power.

The State Flag is blue and yellow. This is not an accidental combination of colours — it goes back to the pre-Christian times and symbolises Water and Fire, the two most important natural elements in the life of man.

The capital of Ukraine is Kiev. This land, according to legend, has been blessed by God. One of the legends tells that in the 1st century on his way to Rome the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called visited the Kiev hills, raised a cross thereon and said "Behold these hills, the grace of God will shine upon them and there will be a great city".

When and how did Kiev take its origin? Hundreds of years back inquiring minds were haunted by this question The Tale of Bygone Years (1113) tells about three brothers Kiy, Schek, and Khoryv, princes of the Polianian tribe, and their sister, Lybid, as the founders of the city. The city was named Kiev in honour of the eldest brother. The tale, however, is given in the undated part of the chronicle. Archaeological excavations prove that Kiev's territory featuring extremely favourable natural-geographic and topographic conditions have been inhabited since the late Palaeolithic age. Archaeological excavations of the 1970s on StaroKievska (Old Kiev) Hill caused a genuine sensation. Discovered there were dwellings and remains of the fortified settlement of the turn of the 6th century recognised as 'Kiev's town'.

On the basis of this discovery the 1500th city's anniversary was celebrated in May 1982, though many scientists think that Kiev is much older.

Present-day Kiev stretches for 42 km from north to south along the picturesque Dnipro banks and for 35 km from east to west. Total area is 820 sq. km. The 367 sq. km belt of forests and parks covers its territory. Water area with the Dnipro and some dozens of lakes totals about 40 sq. km within the city limits.

The city is famous for its unique landscape and architectural ensembles tactfully blended with it. Despite alternations and losses the architectural ensembles create an integral portrait of the historical city.

Kiev consists of 14 administrative districts with a population of almost three million.

The city's pride is its historical and cultural heritage. And these are over 3,000 monuments of archaeology, history, town planning and architecture, masterpieces of monumental art. These priceless evidences of history are of particular concern on the part of Kievites. A new approach to the past and national traditions is a sign of our time. Thus, there were re-created St. Michael's Monastery of the Golden Domes, the Dormition Cathedral of the Kiev Pechery Lavra, the Church of the Dormition of Our Lady (Pyrogoscha), that were destroyed during the Soviet Union time, religious communities received their historical premises and new churches were built, in new housing estates as well.

Nowadays, no one can remain indifferent to the striking beauty of the lush green slopes of the Dnipro with domes of ancient monastic ensembles and churches that blaze like the candles.

Kiev certainly charms everyone who has set foot on its ancient land, attended its olden cathedrals, visited legendary hills, strolled along its streets with the blooming chestnut-trees, that are the symbol of the city, felt the spirit of the past, and enjoyed affability and hospitality of its dwellers.