Ukraine
Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and significant geopolitical position. The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv, and the country occupies an area of 603,700 square kilometers (233,100 square miles). It is bordered by Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Moldova and Romania to the southwest, and Russia to the east. The northern shores of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov form its southern boundary.
History
The region now known as Ukraine has been inhabited since the first millennium BCE. Throughout history, it has seen various invading and occupying groups including the Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians, Goths, Huns, Bulgars, Avars, Khazars, and Magyars. Slavic tribes began settling the area after the 4th century CE.
In later centuries, Kievan Rus' emerged as a powerful federation of Slavic tribes, which laid the foundation for the Ukrainian nation. Following the decline of Kievan Rus', the region experienced a succession of dominations by the Mongol Empire, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the 20th century, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until it gained independence in 1991.
Geography
The topography of Ukraine is characterized by fertile plains and plateaus, with highland regions such as the Volyn-Podillia Upland and the Dnieper Upland. The country is traversed by several major rivers, including the Dnieper, Siverskyi Donets, Dniester, and the Southern Bug, which flow southward into the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
The Carpathian Mountains extend into the western part of Ukraine, providing a dramatic landscape contrast to the expansive steppes in the central and southern regions. The Danube Delta, located in the southwest, forms part of the border with Romania.
Culture
Ukraine possesses a vibrant cultural heritage, influenced by both Western European and Russian traditions. This is reflected in its rich literary history and the impressive monuments of architecture found throughout the country. Ukrainian museums showcase works by generations of artists, while contemporary art galleries thrive in urban centers.
The Ukrainian language is the official language, although Russian is widely spoken, especially in the eastern regions. The country's ethnic diversity also includes Romanian, Polish, Hungarian, Belarusian, and Bulgarian communities, each contributing to the nation's cultural mosaic.
Economy and Government
Ukraine's economy is diverse, with agriculture, heavy industry, and mining playing vital roles. The Donets Basin is a major industrial and mining-metallurgical complex, pivotal to the national economy. Ukraine's government is a unitary republic with a multi-party system, featuring a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government.