Ukraine, located in Eastern Europe, is the continent’s second-largest country after Russia. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and has a coastline along the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south and southeast. The country’s coordinates are 49°N 32°E. Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, followed by other significant cities like Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. The official language is Ukrainian, and Russian is also widely spoken.
Geography and Natural Features
Ukraine is mostly situated in the East European Plain and covers an area of 603,628 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by fertile plains and plateaus, intersected by rivers such as the Dnieper, Seversky Donets, Dniester, and the Southern Bug, which flow into the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of Azov. The southwestern border is formed by the Danube Delta. The Carpathian Mountains are located in the west, with Hoverla as the highest peak, and the Crimean Mountains are in the extreme south. The country is rich in natural resources, including fertile land, making it a significant agricultural region.
Demographics
Ukraine’s estimated population in 2023 is approximately 33.2 million, ranking 36th globally. Ukrainians form the majority of the ethnic composition, with Russians being the largest minority group. Other ethnic minorities include Belarusians, Moldovans, Crimean Tatars, Bulgarians, Hungarians, Poles, and others. Christianity is the predominant religion. The country has a high urbanization rate, with a significant proportion of its population residing in major cities.
Administrative and Political Structure
Ukraine is a unitary semi-presidential republic. The Verkhovna Rada is the legislative body, and the President of Ukraine is the head of state. The Prime Minister heads the government. Ukraine is administratively divided into several oblasts (provinces) and cities with special status.
Cultural and Historical Background
Ukraine has a rich history, with its territory being a key center of East Slavic culture under the state of Kievan Rus’. Over centuries, it has been influenced and ruled by various powers, including the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Austrian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire. The Cossack Hetmanate and the Ukrainian People’s Republic were significant historical entities. Ukraine’s cultural heritage reflects a blend of Eastern and Western influences, with a strong sense of national identity.