Location and boundaries
Ukraine is located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Ukraine borders on Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus and Russia. and has the total area of 603,700 sq.km, Ukraine is one of the second largest country in Europe.
The country is subdivided into 24 regions (oblasts) and the Crimea - autonomous republic.
The capital is Kyiv (Kiev in Russian transliterations).
The population of Ukraine
In the beginning of 2001 the population of Ukraine was 49.5 million people making it the 5th largest country in Europe and the 21st largest in the world. Urban population = 68 %.
Rural population = 32 %.
Average population density = 85 persons per 1 sq. km.
Average life expectancy for men = 61 years.
Average life expectancy women = 73 years.
Ukrainians make up 73% of the population, whilst 14 millions (27 %) of Ukrainian citizens are representatives of other nationalities: Russians, Byelorussians, Moldavians, Bulgarians, Poles, Hungarians, Romanians, Greeks, Tatars, Armenians, Gypsies, Crimean Tatars, Germans and others.
Weather
The climate is moderately continental and comparatively dry with more than 290 sunny days in the year in the South Ukraine (Black Sea coast, Crimea).
Average winter temperature:
From -8° to -15° C (between +17.6° F and +5° F). In Southern regions the winter temperature hovers around freezing, falling snow and temperatures of around -10° C (+14° F) can occur, but is rare.
Average summer temperature:
From +18° to +25° C (between +64,4° and +77° F), though in daytime can get up over +35° C (+95° F).
GeographyUkraine is located in East-Europe plain. The most part of the country is in low-lying lands, fertile plains (steppes) with two highland areas: in the South -Crimean Mountains (the highest point: mt. Ramantkosh, 1,545 meters) and in the West - Carpathian Mountains (the highest point: mt. Hoverla, 2,061 meters). Along the southern coast of Ukraine lie the Black and Azov Seas with a coast line of 2,782 km. The majority of Ukrainian rivers flow into the Black Sea, among the biggest are Dnipro, Dnister, Desna, Pivdenyj (Southern) Booh.
Language
The state language is Ukrainian. The majority of Ukrainians are bilingual and speak Russian as well. Russian is used widely in the Crimea, Odessa, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk. Among foreign languages the most popular is English.
Electricity
The standard electric supply in Ukraine is 220V/ 50 Hz. Ukrainian plugs are of the same kind as in the most European countries - two round pins. If electric appliances you bring have different specifications make sure you bring a converter and/or plug adapter.
National currency
The national currency of Ukraine is - Hryvna. Foreign currency may be exchanged for hryvnas in banks and in numerous currency exchange offices. The most widespread foreign currencies in Ukraine are US dollar and the Euro. Credit cards are becoming more and more widespread in Ukraine, but not all businesses accept them for payment. However, the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards for payment.
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