About Ukraine

Geographical position

Ukraine is the country of the Central East Europe located in the southwestern part of the East European plain covering the part of the Carpathian and Crimean Mountains.

The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.

Ukraine is the largest country entirely located in Europe. Speaking in numbers, it has an area of 603,628 sq. km. It represents 5.7% of the total area of Europe and 0.44% of the world's dry land surface. Ukraine's territory stretches for 893 kilometers from north to south, and for 1316 kilometers from west to east. According to measurements made in 1887 by the geographical society and the military department of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the geographical center of Europe is situated in Ukraine. It's indicated by a special signpost near the town of Rakhiv in the Transcarpathian region.

Ukraine borders with Belarus to the north, Poland to the west, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and Russia to the east and northeast. In the south the country's territory is washed by the Black Sea and the Azov Sea. Its largest Black Sea ports are Odesa, Illichivsk and Sevastopol and its largest Azov Sea ports are Mariupol, Berdyansk and Kerch.

Most of Ukraine's territory is flat with mountains only in its western and southern parts - the Carpathian Mountains and the Crimean Mountains. The highest Ukrainian mountain peak is Hoverla (2,061 m) located in the Carpathians.

Climate

Climate in Ukraine is mainly moderately continental. However, there is a subtropical area in the very southern part of Crimea. That's why the southern coast of Crimea is known for a great number of picturesque sea resorts. Ukraine's nature is very diverse and enchants even seasoned travelers with its dense forests, beautiful lakes, endless steppes and midland rivers. Ukrainian summers are warm and sometimes hot especially in July and August. It may also be quite rainy though. Ukrainian winters are snowy, but not too cold. As you see Ukraine offers a wide choice of opportunities for all kinds of rest!

Language

The official language in the country is Ukrainian, though Russian language is also quite widespread. In Kiev and other big cities you may speak English.

Time

Time zone in Ukraine: +2 GMT. Daylight Saving Time: in summer - the first Sunday of April (an hour ahead), in the winter - the last Sunday of October (an hour backward).

Currency

The monetary unit of the present-day Ukraine is hryvnia. Hryvnia and its change coin kopeck were introduced in Ukraine by the currency reform of 1996. The letter code of the currency is UAH, abbreviated form as "грн." in Cyrillic.

Holidays and Days off

• New Year's Day - January 1

• Christmas Day - January 7 (the Orthodox Church calendar)

• International Women's Day - March 8

• Velykden' (Easter) - the date is set according to the Orthodox Church calendar

• Labour Day - May 1

• Victory Day - May 9

• Triytsya (Pentecost) - the date is set according to the Orthodox Church calendar

• Constitution Day - June 28

• Independence Day - August 24

• The Day of Defender of Ukraine - October 14

• Christmas Day -  December 25

Emergency phone numbers

101 - Fire
102 - Police
103 - Ambulance

Electricity

Standard voltage in electric lines in Ukraine is 220V, 50 Hz. While using your own devices you may need an adapter - Eastern European plug adapter.