Overview of Ukraine

Profile

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, developing centered on fertile plains facing the Black Sea and Dnipro River basin. Diverse ethnic groups and cultures intersect, with history exceeding millennium beginning with Kievan Rus'. After independence from Soviet Union in 1991, pursued European integration while tensions with Russia continued, including 2014 Crimea annexation and full-scale invasion from 2022 creating harsh security environment. Possesses industrial foundation in agriculture, IT, aerospace, and known for traditional cuisine, folk arts, and intricate embroidery culture.

Official name: Ukraine
Common name: Ukraine
Numeric code: 804
Alpha-3 code: UKR
Alpha-2 code: UA
Population: Approx. 37 million (2024)
Population density: Approx. 73/km2
Primary languages: Ukrainian
Major religions: Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Greek Catholic, Islam, Judaism
National anthem: Ukraine's Glory Has Not Perished
Calling code: +380
Internet TLD: .ua

History

Flourished as Kievan Rus' center, through Cossack era to 1991 independence.

10th-century Kievan Grand Principality accepting Orthodox Christianity became Eastern Slavic culture foundation. Subsequently experienced Mongol rule, Polish-Lithuanian, and Russian Empire governance, with 17th-century Zaporizhian Cossacks establishing autonomy. 20th century faced tragedies of Holodomor and German-Soviet war as Soviet constituent republic. Achieved independence with Soviet collapse, through 2004 Orange Revolution and 2014 Revolution of Dignity strengthening European orientation, but confrontation with Russia continues currently.

Geography & climate

Largely plains and black soil belt forming grain-producing region, with steppe zone along southern Black Sea coast and Carpathian Mountains to west

Temperate continental (southern coast near Mediterranean)

Area: Europe / 603628 km²
Capital: Kyiv
Largest city: Kyiv
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Svityaz Lake, Svitiaz Lake, Yalpuh Lake
Bordering countries: Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia

Natural resources

Black soil chernozem, Iron ore, Coal, Natural gas, Manganese ore, Titanium ore, Uranium, Timber, Freshwater resources, Oil shale

Politics

Government: Republic (semi-presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Hryvnia (UAH)

GDP (nominal): 161 Billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 620 Billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Ukrainian

Time zone: EET, EEST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Ukrainians, Russians, Crimean Tatars, Belarusians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Romanians, Jews

Life expectancy

72.0

Literacy rate

99.7

National sports

Football, Boxing, Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling