Ukraine
Ukraine is a self-contained, sovereign state. The Declaration of Ukrainian independence was proclaimed on August 24, 1991 by the Ukrainian Parliament
Ukraine is one of the largest European countries. Its total area is 603,700 square kilometers. Ukraine borders on the Russian Federation, Byelorussia, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Our country is washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and it has very important ports.
The population of Ukraine is about 47 million people. There are 24 administrative regions and the Crimean autonomous republic.
The territory of our country has an astonishing variety of landscapes. We have high mountains, vast steppes, endless forests, beautiful rivers and lakes. The largest lake of Ukraine is Swityaz. Ukraine has 131 rivers; among them is the Dnieper with its tributaries such as the Desna, the Prypyat, the Dniester, the Bug, and the Donets. The Dnieper is the main river in Ukraine.
The flora and fauna of our country are extremely rich. Ukraine has inexhaustible natural wealth.
Our country has many industrial raw materials; it has rich deposits of iron, metals, coal, oil, gas, different ores, marble and others natural resources. Ukraine has metallurgical and heavy industries.
Ukraine has an ancient history. The State of Kyiv Rus situated on the territory of present Ukraine was set up in the 9th century.
Ukraine has its own original culture and art. Ukraine has many professional theatres and Philharmonic societies are known not only in the country but all over the world.
Over the last years people of Ukraine display a keen interest in the Ukrainian history and artistic heritage. There is a new approach to the development of culture, arts and languages.
Now Ukraine establishes new relations with countries throughout the world. It sets direct contacts with them signing agreements and treaties.
Ukraine has been and is being recognized by a vast number of countries.
KYIV
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and the seat of the Supreme Council and the Cabinet of Ministers.
Kyiv is one of the most ancient cities. In 1982 it was 1500 years old. It was called "the Mother of All Russian Cities". It has the population of above 3 million people. Its total area is 790 square kilometers.
Kyiv lies on both banks of the Dnieper, one of the longest rivers in Ukraine. It is one of the greenest cities in the world.
Kyiv is an industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Ukraine. Kyiv is one of the oldest cities and has many places of interest. Among them is the Golden Gate, which is about a thousand years old.
On the Sophia's Square there is St. Sophia's Cathedral.
There is the monastery ensemble, Kyiv-Pechers Lavra, which was founded in the 11th century in Kyiv. Among the museums of Lavra is the museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art, which comprises more than 50,000 exhibits.
Also in Kyiv you can see the monument to T. Shevchenko, the well-known poet and fighter for freedom. It stands in the park in front of the University. There are some other monuments in Kyiv – the monument to Lesya Ukrainka, the monument to N. Lysenko and many others.
Kyiv is a city of theatres. It is famous for its theatres such as the Taras Shevchenko Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Drama theatre, the Lesya Ukrainka Russian Drama Theatre and others.
Kyiv is the centre of science and education. Many scientific research institutes, colleges and universities are in Kyiv.