Ukraine - Introduction

Introduction to Ukraine

A country whose state song declares that 'Ukraine has not yet died' might not seem the most uplifting destination, but don't let that deter you. The country rewards travellers with hospitable people, magnificent architecture and miles of gently rolling steppe.

Full country name: Ukraine
Area: 603,700 sq km
Population: 48.05 million
Capital City: Kiev (pop 2.6 million)
People: Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%
Language: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian
Religion: Ukrainian Orthodox, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic, Protestant, Jewish
Government: republic
Head of State: President Leonid Kuchma
Head of Government: Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych
GDP: US$218 billion
GDP per capita: US$4,583
Annual Growth: -1.7%
Inflation: 5.5%
Major Industries: Coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food-processing (especially sugar), grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables, beef, milk
Major Trading Partners: Russia, China, Turkey, Germany, Belarus, US, Poland, Italy
Member of EU: no