Location
Ukraine is situated in East-Central Europe . It is bordered by Poland , Slovakia , Hungary , Romania and Moldova to the West, by Belarus to the North and by the Russian Federation to the North-East and East. To the South lie the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov . The capital is Kiev (1550 years old).

History
Ukraine was known as “Kievan Rus” (from which Russia is a derivative) up until the 16th century. In the 9th century, Kiev was the major political and cultural center in eastern Europe. Kievan Rus reached the height of its power in the 10th century and adopted Byzantine Christianity. The Mongol conquest in 1240 ended Kievan power. From the 13th to the 16th century, Kiev was under the influence of Poland and western Europe. The negotiation of the Union of Brest-Litovsk in 1596 divided the Ukrainians into Orthodox and Ukrainian Catholic faithful. In 1654, Ukraine asked the czar of Moscovy for protection against Poland , and the Treaty of Pereyasav signed that year recognized the suzerainty of Moscow . The agreement was interpreted by Moscow as an invitation to take over Kiev , and the Ukrainian state was eventually absorbed into the Russian Empire.

Territory
Area  603,700 square kilometers  (233,090 square miles)
Land use    56%  cropland   
14%  permanent pasture    
30% other (mostly urban)   
Coastline    1,729 miles       
Land borders      2,832 miles

Climate
The climate in Ukraine is temperate, with the Black Sea coastal region experiencing milder winters. In Kiev, temperatures range from about 0 -- -5 C in January to about 25-28 degrees C in July. Annual precipitation averages 615 millimeters in Kiev. Droughts are not infrequent in southern areas.

Population (2007 est.)
46,299,862 (growth rate: –0.7%); birth rate: 9.5/1000; infant mortality rate: 9.5/1000; life expectancy: 67.9

Language
The official state language is Ukrainian, an Eastern Slavonic language written in Cyrillic script.  The majority of Ukrainians is bilingual for Russian which is used widely too. Many people English speaking.

Flag
The national flag (proportions 3 by 2) has two equal stripes, of blue over yellow.

Culture
Since Ukraine is geographically located between Europe and Asia , much of its culture exhibits both Eastern and Western influences. Over the years it has been invariably influenced by movements such as those brought about during the Byzantine Empire and the Renaissance. Today, the country is somewhat culturally divided with the western regions bearing a stronger European influence and the eastern regions showing a strong Russian influence.

Ukrainian culture is richly embedded in ancient traditions. Even today many historical songs such as the dumy and the playing of the kobza – which was popular during the 16th century – is still enjoyed. However, music has also come a long way since then and Polissia magic pop and Kolomiya rap tend to be most popular. The culture scene has also seen a resurgence of Cossack songs and song poetry. There are also a number of cultural festivals such as the Tavriya Games which are most popular.

Weights and Measures
The metric system is used.

Electricity
The standard electric voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts.

Economic summary:
Unemployment: 2.9% officially registered; large number of unregistered or underemployed workers; International Labor Organization est.: 9%–10%. Arable land: 54%. Agriculture: grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables; beef, milk. Industries: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment,  aircraft, chemicals, food processing (especially sugar). Natural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulfur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber, arable land.

Money and Currency
Ukrainian national currency is Hryvna (UAH).
One Hryvna = 100 kopecks.
1 US$ - 4,75 UAH for June, 2008
1 Euro – 7,35 UAH for June, 2008

USD and EURO are most popular in exchange booths. Other currency is difficult to exchange, it has low rates because of minor circulation in Ukraine .
VISA and MasterCard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, casinos, stores, though credit cards are not in wide use in the cities of Ukraine. Owners of American Express, Diners may experience problems when using their cards even in regional centers.

Public Holidays
New Year's Day  January 1
Christmas  January 7 
Women's Day     March 8    
Spring & Labor Day     May 1-2    
Victory Day        May 9      
Independence Day      August 24

Transportation  
Public City Transport
Operates from 6 am to 1 am . Bus, trolley bus and tram system is rather slow, but is a cheap way to travel within cities. Prices range from 0,5  to 2 hryvnas.

Taxi
There are numerous taxi services, orders are taken via phone. There can be hired a taxi right on the street simply by putting out your hand. Be wary of taking a car having more than one passenger. Price is to be agreed upon beforehand.
Prices about 2 – 2,5 UAH per km

Trains
Extensive network of railroad connects Ukraine with many European and Asian countries. Trains are cheap though slow and not very comfortable. First class compartments are mostly air-conditioned (very important in summertime) and have 2 berths (some trains do not have 1st class option), second class has 4 berths. It is advisable to buy tickets for the whole compartment, especially when traveling alone. Prices for foreign citizens and Ukrainians are the same. Trains are the most popular and easy way to make intercity trips in Ukraine . 

Air
Most cities of Ukraine have air connection with Kiev Best air connection with other countries goes via Kiev. Please, note most domestic train/air tickets can be obtained only in Ukraine