About Ukraine

Open to the world - that is Ukraine, a large country in Eastern Europe. A former Republic of the USSR now opens its doors to everybody who is interested to enter. The historic city of Kiev is the county's capital.

A millennium ago Kiev used to be the capital of one of the most powerful medieval states in Europe - Kievan Rus. Since then, the country has had to endure invasions of the tartars, the Polish, the Russian and later the Soviet occupation to eventually receive its independence in 1991.

Ukraine is a republic currently headed by President Yushchenko. The major ethnic groups are Ukrainian (77.8%) and Russian (17.3%). The official language is Ukrainian, although Russian is also widely spoken and understood. A lot of people know English as well. 99.7% of the population are literate.

Most people belong to one of the Christian orthodox churches; however, other religions, such as Greek Catholic and Protestant are also practiced.

The country boasts a moderate climate and fertile soils ideal for agriculture. Ukraine is one of world's top exporters of grain. A lot of industry revolves around agriculture too, as well as around machine building, electronics, web solutions and other branches. The high level of industrial development is made possible by the developed system of higher educations, which includes over 300 colleges and universities all over the country.

Ukraine has a traditional unique culture, with the world knows for its melodic folk songs and painted eggs for Easter. However, there are many more other exciting aspects generally unknown to foreigners. We are inviting you to come and explore them together with us.

You can learn more about Ukraine here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/ukraine/
http://www.globalvolunteers.org/1main/ukraine/ukraineculture.htm
http://www.ukrainepostalexpress.com/culture.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine
http://www.grooviespad.com/groovie/ukraine/culture.htm