About Ukraine

In this article we want to give basic notions about Ukraine as a political and social unit. Let's consider such questions:

Location

The history of any country first of all starts with its geographical location. Ukraine is situated in European part of the continent and boarders with such countries as Russia, Belorussia, Bolgaria, Romania and Hungary. Its territory cedes to Russia only and holds the 41st position in the list of the world's largest countries. Ukrainian landscape is mostly flatland but there are mountains in the western and southern parts of it. Both regions are tourist friendly, the former are provided with appropriate infrastructure mostly for winter rest, skiing and snow boarding. The latter is a summer destination. In addition to mountains there are two seas which contribute to pleasant sea breeze and a little salty air. Thousands of tourists from all over Ukraine and neighboring countries come to entertain themselves.

Climate

There are four seasons in Ukraine, each of them corresponds its name. Summer is hot, sometimes temperatures reaches 36 C, autumn is usually rainy, wet and cloudy, the coldest month of winter is January. Due to ecological changes winters are getting milder with less snow and little frost. Nevertheless the temperature can fall to 25 C at times. Spring is similar to all around the world, it can be windy, sunny, rainy during one day.

People

Ukraine numbers 46 million inhabitants, with 78% of Ukrainians. We have also a lot of foreign habitants coming to get education or work here.The biggest concentration is observed in large cities like Kiev (2,7 million), Kharkov (1,4 million) and Dnepropetrovsk (1,3 million) and Odessa (1 million). There are still a lot of people living in the countryside.

Culture and Traditions

Ukraine is a multitraditional country, here meet different cultures and nationalities. Beside this, Ukrainians were able to keep two important features - the hospitality and ethnic spirit. There are  many ethnic traditions and holidays that are usually celebrated all over the country.

Language

Historically, Ukraine is a bilingual country, on the territory which is nearest to European countries, most of the population speaks Ukrainian language, although in many areas, you are also well understood with Polish, Slovak and Hungarian. The population of the eastern part of Ukraine are mostly speak Russian. In Ukraine, the population is also well educated, that means people can easily communicate with  foreigner by means of English.

Drinking and smoking

Ukraine has no much restrictions on smoking in public places or drinking alcohol. However, there are many places where it is prohibited. Hard drinks are allowed to drink at the or of 21 and more, and smoking is allowed for people who are more than 18 years old. Ukrainians have their own national alcoholic beverage named “home-distilled vodka” - “samogon” or “pervak”, which known in the whole world.

Food

Ukrainian cuisine is attracting for many tourists and visitors of the country. Such national masterpieces of Ukrainian national cuisine, like borsch and dumplings are very popular worldwide. However, there are also many fast food networks, restaurants of European Asian cuisine. Here you can find many cafes and restaurants with  recipes of all kinds to fit any taste.

Going out

Ukraine can be called as green country. In summer times, here is very favorable weather for walking in parks. There are a lot of different tourist attraction, night clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants, cinemas, bowling and billiard bars which can satisfy the most exquisite taste.

Money

the official Ukrainian currency is Hryvnia (code: UAH). Issued banknotes denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hryven.