Ukraine

Ukraine was formed as an independent country on 24 August 1991 upon the demise of the USSR. It was economically the most important of the former Republics other than Russia.

At 603,700 sq km, it is the largest country wholly within Europe, larger than metropolitan France (547,000 sq km).

It is effectively divided by the strategic Dnipro River, on which the capital Kiev is situated, into a Russian-influenced Eastern region and a European-looking Western region.

Ukraine Fact file

  • Population: 45.7 million (UN, 2009)
  • Capital: Kiev
  • Area: 603,700 sq km (233,090 sq miles)
  • Major languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian
  • Major religion: Christianity
  • Life expectancy: 63 years (men), 74 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: 1 hryvnya = 100 kopiykas
  • Main exports: Military equipment, metals, pipes, machinery, petroleum products, textiles, agricultural products
  • GNI per capita: US $3,210 (World Bank, 2008)
  • Internet domain: .ua
  • International dialling code: +380.

Ukraine is the largest country by area wholly within Europe. The Dnipro river is an important highway, with Kherson near its mouth.