Welcome to Ukraine

География.

Украина – государство на юге Восточной Европы.
Часовой пояс Среднеевропейское время по Гринвичу + 2 часа.
Граничит с Россией, Беларусью, Молдовой, Польшей, Словакией, Венгрией и Румынией.
Омывается Черным и Азовским морем.
Площадь Украины 603, 7 тыс. км2 (Крым - 27 тыс. км2)– самая большая среди стран, полностью находящихся в пределах Европы.
Протяженность с севера на юг – 893 км, с запада на восток – 1316 км; длина границы – 4558 км.
Большая часть территории страны это степи.
Горные системы - Карпаты (г. Говерла, 2061 м.) и Крымские горы (г. Роман-Кош, 1545 м.). 
Реки - протекают более 70 000 рек. Крупнейшими являются Днепр, Днестр, Десна, Южный Буг.
Озера - более 3000 озер. Крупнейшим является Свитязь.
Минеральные воды и лечебные грязи - более 1000 источников которые используются для лечения. Наиболее известными являются Миргород и Трускавец.
Парки и заповедники - 5 национальных парков, 15 национальных заповедников. Наиболее значимые это Аскания-Нова (Херсонская область), Софиевка (Черкасская область), Шатский Национальный Парк (Волынская область), Тростянецкий Гидропарк (Черниговская область).

Климат.

Умеренно континентальный, с четко выраженными сезонами, и лишь на южном берегу Крыма - субтропический средиземноморский.
Средние температуры января колеблются от -8 C на северо-востоке до +4-8 C на юге Крыма, июля - соответственно от +18 С до +24 C.
Осадки выпадают на северо-западе до 600-700 мм. в год, на юго-востоке - до 300 мм., в Крымских горах - 1000-1200 мм., в Карпатах - до 1600 мм.

История.

Первые поселения на территории Украины появились в раннем палеолите. 
В VII в. до н.э. в степи Причерноморья из Азии переселились племена скифов. 
В VII - V вв. до н.э. в Северном Причерноморье начали селиться греки, создавшие здесь рабовладельческие города-государства. Наибольшими из них были Ольвия, Тира, Херсонес Таврический, Пантикапей, являвшиеся крупными центрами земледелия, рыболовства, ремесла и торговли.
В V в. до н.э. в результате объединения греческих городов на Керченском полуострове возникло Боспорское государство со столицей в Пантикапее.
В III - VI вв. н.э., в результате великого переселения народов, территорию Среднего Приднестровья занимает союз славянских племен.
В IX в. из союза возникает древнерусское феодальное государство Киевская Русь. Своего расцвета Киевская Русь достигла в X - начале XI века.
В XII веке Русь распалась на ряд отдельных княжеств. На территории юго-западной Руси, занимавшей большую часть территории современной Украины, выделились Киевское, Черниговское, Галицкое, Владимиро-Волынское и другие княжества. 
В XIII веке южнорусские земли подверглись нашествию монголо-татар, став владениями Золотой Орды.
В XVI веке государство стало называться Украиной.
В XVI по XVII век Украина была под влиянием Речи Посполитой , подвергалась постоянному грабежу и угнетению , даже право первой брачной ночи имели польские помещики.
В 1648 - 54 гг. всеобщее недовольство вылилось в Освободительную войну украинского народа, приведшую к воссоединению Украины с Россией.
В 1917-20 на территории Украины существовали Украинская народная республика, Западно-украинская народная республика, Украинская держава и Украинская ССР.
В 1941 в Великую Отечественную войну Украина подверглась немецко-фашистской оккупации.
В июле 1990 Верховный Совет Украинской ССР принял Декларацию о государственном суверенитете Украины.
В июне 1991 Законодательный орган – Верховный Совет (Верховная Рада) учредил пост президента республики.
24 августа 1991 года украинский парламент принял постановление «О провозглашении независимости Украины», Украина стала независимым государством.
В составе Украины 24 области, 2 города республиканского подчинения и территориальная автономия – Автономная Республика Крым.

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION

Location: Central-Eastern Europe, part of the East-European plain,

Area: 603 700 km2

Population: 45 962 900 (25th in the world, population density – 80 p/km2)

Internet top-level domain: ua

International phone code: 380

CLIMATE

Moderately continental, except for Southern Crimea, where the climate is subtropical, of the Mediterranean type. The Carpathian climate is also mild, with warm winter and rainy summer.

Average winter temperature is from -8° to -12° C (from +17.6° F to +3° F). In the Southern regions average winter temperature is 0° C (+32° F). Average summer temperature is from +18° to +25° C (from +64.4° F to +77° F), although maximum temperature can be more than +35° C (+95° F).

Best time to visit Ukraine: summer, late spring and early autumn.

LANGUAGE

Ukrainian became the official language only in 1990, replacing Russian. Most of the population in eastern Ukraine and in Kyiv speaks Russian as a first language, while Ukrainian is the first language in western Ukraine. Although those in the political world and the local media use both languages, official documents are now in Ukrainian. The two languages share almost the same Cyrillic alphabet, and if you arrive unfamiliar with either language a phrase book or interpreter is almost essential. Not much English is spoken here.

INTERNATIONAL TIME

Ukraine has one time zones GMT+2 (UTC+2) (two hours after Greenwich Mean Time in 24 oblasts and in the Republic of Crimea). Daylight savings time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October when you will need to advance your clocks by one hour. 

VISA

For citizens of some countries (including USA) visas are required for the entry into Ukraine. Because a visa clearance procedure varies from country to country it is advisable that you call your Ukrainian Consulate at a reason­ably long notice.

UKRAINE MONEY

The national currency of the Ukraine is the Hryvna (Pronounced Gryvna). Letter code UAH, digital code 980.

The Hryvna is the official currency and all banks, restaurants, disco, etc. and all other normal purchases are conducted in Hryvnas. If you are paying for something privately, U.S. dollars are the top currency followed by the Euro. Travel checks, American Express and Barclays can be cashed in local banks into dollars for 3%. ATM cards are widely used and bank machines are literally every 100 yards (98 meters :-). ATM machines dispense the Hryvna and some even dispense dollars for an additional 3%. Instructions are in Russian, Ukrainian and English. Some machines have German and French also. 

CAPITAL OF THE UKRAINE

Kyiv is The Capital of Ukraine, modern European City.

Kyiv is political, administrative, cultural and scientific center of Ukraine!
Whoever you are, wherever you are from, and whatever your educational background may be, when you are on a visit to Kyiv you simply must go and see the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra Monastery, one of the most important sights in town and a Thousand-Year old Monastery and History!!!

SIGHTSEEING IN UKRAINE

The region of Ukraine has been populated for a very long time, despite only recently forming itself as a nation. The main cities of Kyiv, Lviv and Odessa offer a number of interesting things to see and do. The antiquity of Kyiv’s churches and cobbled streets will surprise many first-time visitors to Ukraine. Lviv is often considered a living cultural museum with its stunning architecture and devotion to the heritage of Ukrainian people. The wine growing region of the Crimea is another lovely area and of course, there’s always the magnificent Carpathian Mountains. Ukraine receives scant publicity for its attractions, but the reality shows a country that has a long and diverse history which has been fairly well preserved in its cities, and a beautiful countryside to complement the urban environment.

Kyiv

Kyiv, which was established in the 5th century, is the mother city of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. All three of these countries came from the Kyivian Rus, the Slavic empire that ruled the whole region from the 9th to the 11th centuries. This ancient and fascinating city has survived Mongol invasions, the destruction of WWII and communism, leaving visitors which much to explore.

The Golden Gate of Kyiv is the last remnant of the original 10th century walls which were built to defend the city. As the home of Orthodox Christianity, there are a number of important religious sites worth seeing. The Caves Monastery, an underground complex of eerie catacombs, was once the centre of the early Orthodox church. St Sofia Cathedral is a work of art in itself and is full of splendid icons and frescoes.

Other cultural attractions include Kyiv’s Opera House, the Museum of Ukrainian Art, which has the country’s best collection of regional artists from the 16th century to modern times, and the Historical Museum of Ukraine, which gives a good insight into the cultural heritage of these people. Be sure and wander up the restored cobbled street of Andreyev Hill, where artists show their work; and spend a few leisurely hours people-watching in Khreshchatik street and Independence Square, the elegant heart of Kyiv’s social scene.

Lviv

This amazing city, which is full of striking Baroque and Renaissance architecture, is considered an open-air museum and lies at the heart of Ukrainian national culture. The highlight is certainly the Market Square, which has been the uninterrupted centre of action for the last 600 years. In the past, this square was the home of wealthy merchants and urban nobility and served as the administrative, political and economic centre of Lviv. Today, Market Square makes up the core of Lviv’s historical preservation area. It consists of 45 buildings which reflect the Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Rococo traditions of this town.
Situated in the foothills of the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, Lviv is one of the oldest and most intriguing cities in Europe. Its attractions include City Castle, the National Museum, the Antique Armoury, the Museum of History and the Museum of Ethnography and Crafts. As one of the best undiscovered gems in Europe, don’t pass up spending a few days in this town.

Odessa

This curious town is a surreal mix of seaside holiday resort and polluted industrial wasteland, and somehow they coexist. Odessa has long been an important port for shipping and trade on the Black Sea. It gained notoriety for its role in the 1905 Revolution, when a mutinous battleship supported the rebellion. The famous 192 steps of the Potemkin Stairway are here from the classic film Battleship Potemkin.

The city also has a cultural side, with its vast Opera House (one of the world’s largest), Vorontsov Palace and Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits from Egypt and the ancient Black Sea region. And of course, there are the beaches. They may be crowded and dirty, but Ukrainians still flock to Arkadia Beach every summer to socialise with the in-crowds.

EXPORT OF VALUABLES OF UKRAINIAN ORIGIN

To export any antique items and/or works of art the permission of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine must be obtained. In addition to samovars, paintings, and rugs, this restriction applies to collections or separate works of fine, applied, and folk art, archeological and numismatic items, valuable musical instruments, gold, silver, precious stones, hand-woven carpets, manuscripts, books published before 1966, and furniture made before 1945.

BUSINESS HOURS

An eight-hour day is considered a normal work day, Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken between the hours of 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Most banks are open without breaks, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. 

FLOORS

In official buildings the entrance hall is considered the "ground floor". The next flight up takes you to the "first floor". This floor numbering system is the same as the European system. For the private apartments the first floor is actually the "first".

TIPS

Restaurant bills normally include a 5% service charge; however, you often find that a few extra hryvnas (10% suggested) can make your dining experience a lot more pleasurable.

ELECTRICITY

220 volts, 50Hz is the standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine. To use electrical appliances you will need a converter as well as an Eastern-European plug adapter.

CUISINE

Ukrainian cuisine is very much a part of the population's culture, lifestyle and customs. Well-known for its great diversity and amazing flavors, Ukrainian cuisine has had a number of influences including Russian, Polish, German and Turkish. Popular ingredients in the cuisine of Ukraine are meat, mushrooms, vegetables, berries, fruit and herbs. As Ukrainians are extremely hospitable their meals are served in very generous quantities.

Some of the best Ukrainian cuisine is actually very simple. Many ingredients are used in what some mayit fo consider unusual combinations, creating a unique and sumptuous dish. Considered the “breadbasket of Europe”, it follows that bread is a staple in Ukraine. There are dozens of methods used in preparing breads, which are often used in rituals and customs. Dishes often contain pickled vegetables when these are not in season and certain dishes can only be made when ingredients are available. Pastries and cakes are popular, but not very sweet.

Below we provide you with a list of uniquely Ukrainian cuisine along with a description. Why not visit our recipes page to discover how you too can create these culinary delights.

Borshch – beet soup often made with meat.

Ukha – fish soup typically with carp.

Hybivka – mushroom soup.

Vinigret – beetroot salad made with beans, peas and onions.

Oseledets – pickled herring salad with onion, sunflower oil and pepper.

Kapustianyi – sauerkraut salad with oil, walnuts and mayonnaise.

Main Course

Varenyky – boiled dumplings stuffed with fruit, potatoes, cheese and cabbage.

Holubtsi – cabbage rolls stuffed with millet or minced meat with rice.

Blyntsi – crepes served with meat, cheese, fruit or caviar.

Pechenya – roast pork, lamb, beef or veal.

Studynets – jellied meat or fish.

Kotljetys – fish or meat fritters.

Deruny – potato fritters served with sour cream or cottage cheese.

Shashlyk – type of shish kebab usually with marinated lamb and vegetables.

Dessert

Tort – cakes often made with ground walnuts or almonds instead of flour.

Zhely – jellied fruit.

Pampushky – fried dough, similar to doughnuts.

Beverages

Kvas – made from bread with a sweet-sour taste.

Compote – dried or fresh fruit drink.

Kefir – sour milk.

ALCOHOL

Throughout Ukraine alcohol is quite inexpensive and easily accessible. Ukraine is a zero tolerance country, so do not drink and drive. The fines are substantial and you are never sure what may happen in such incidences with the militia. 

UKRAINE OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS

Chancellery of the Embassy of the United States of America

Yuria Kotsubynskoho Str., 10, Kyiv 01901, Ukraine

Telephone (044) 490-40-00

Fax (044) 490-40-85

Office hours: 09:00-16:00