YOUR DEFINITE GUIDE TO UKRAINE

INTRODUCING UKRAINEUkraine being the hidden jewel of Europe is the second largest country of the European continent. Ukraine is a wide variety of amazing places of interest, ancient history, beautiful landscapes, varied climates and many other enjoyable attractions. Modern Ukraine is a destination for business people and investors giving them new perspective possibilities and prerogatives.

Ukraine is one of the European countries with well-developed culture, rich folk traditions Ukraine is one of the European countries with well-developed culture, rich folk traditions and diversified nature. Ukraine is a unique country of Europe: the best fertile black soils, the strongest boxers and the most outstanding inventors. Ukraine is a bread-basket of Europe and it has a remarkable agrarian potential.

Ukrainians are proud of their eventful and glorious history, having experienced the hardships with courage and hope for future till present time – a new history of Ukraine. Ukrainians always welcome their guests with warmth, hospitality and amiability. This is the country with great initiatives and possibilities. the country with great initiatives and possibilities.

All mentioned above gives you all reasons why you should visit one of the most beautiful countries in Europe – Ukraine.

MAIN FACTS

LocationUkraine is the largest country on the European continent, situated at the crossroads between Europe and Asia and it borders on Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia and Slovakia. The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov separate the country from Russia and Turkey. Total area of the country is 603.7 sq. km. It is larger than France (544.000 sq. km.), Spain (505.000 sq. km.), Sweden (450.000 sq. km.) and Poland (312.700 sq. km.). km.), Spain (505.000 sq. km.), Sweden (450.000 sq. km.) and Poland (312.700 sq. km.). ClimateThe climate is temperate continental; it is Mediterranean only on the southern Crimean coast. Precipitation is disproportionately distributed, the highest amount - in the west and north, lesser - in the east and southeast. Winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to cold further inland; summers are warm across the greater part of the country and very hot in the south.LanguagesLanguagesThe official language in the country is Ukrainian. Many people prefer to communicate in Russian especially in eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. PowerUkraine is a constitutional democracy republic headed by President. Ukrainian power is divided into three main branches: executive, legislative and judicial. EconomyIndustry: heavy machinerIndustry: heavy machinery, industrial equipment production, machine tools, large electrical transformers, ships, locomotives, agricultural machinery etc. Agriculture: the main crops and products are grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables beef and milk.

EXPLORING KYIVKyiv is one of the most ancient capitals in Europe which roots date back to the 5th century. During this time the city passed a long way from a Slavic settlement on the Dnipro River to a modern megapolis.

Being located on two river banks the city has a Being located on two river banks the city has a unique landscape – one side is hilly and the other is flat. Ancient architecture masterpieces, golden domes, flourishing chestnuts and lilac together with blue band of the river create a unique image of the city.

Shrouded in legends and myths, Kyiv lies on the seven picturesque hills along the mighty seven picturesque hills along the mighty Dnipro River. With a rich Eastern European history, Kyiv is the “mother of all Rus cities”, and has unique, natural, and cultural attractions that create a distinct aura around the capital.

TOP 16 ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES

Kyiv National University named after T. ShevchenkoOne of the greatest universities in Ukraine, popularly known for its red mascot color.

Magdeburg Right Column This place is very important for the orthodox community because they believe that the Christianity in Russia came because they believe that the Christianity in Russia came from it.

Askold’s GraveAccording to the historian Nester, Askold and Dir came to Kyiv from Novgorod, captured the city on the Dnipro and then they began to rule.

Teacher’s HouseTheThe Teacher’s House has a hall for 500 people and a museum of the history of education situated on the second floor.

Andriyivska churchIn 1744, Empress Elizabeth I visited Kyiv and began designing a new St. Andrew's Church.

Knight HouseThis medieval castle was built in the late 19th centurThis medieval castle was built in the late 19th century. It took two years (1896-1898) to complete the construction.

Richard’s CastleRichard’s Castle is one of the most romantic architectural landmarks of Kyiv.

St. Nicholas ChurchThe first stone of St. Nicholas Church was laid in August 1899.August 1899.

Ukrainian Sports PalaceThe grand opening of the Sports Palace was held on December 9, 1960.

National Palace of UkraineOne of the greatest buildings of Kyiv, the National Palace of Ukraine, was built in 1970.

National Bank of UkraineNational Bank of UkraineThe first local office of the National Bank began as a classic two-story building, erected in 1840.

Pechersk FortressPechersk Fortress was built by Tsar Peter I and Hetman Ivan Mazepa during the war between Russia and Sweden.

Parliament House of UkraineThe Parliament House, which is the main legislative The Parliament House, which is the main legislative body of Ukraine, is situated in the center of the city.

Government HouseOne of the greatest buildings of Kyiv is the Government office of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers.

Florivskyi MonasteryThe classically styled Florivskyi Monasteryis a complex of buildings and churches.

Central SynagogueCentral Synagogue was built in 1898, it operated until 1926, then it was renovated into a Jewish club with a children's theateinto a Jewish club with a children's theater.

TOP 16 ATTRACTIONS

St. Michael’s Cathedral of the Golden Domes and its Monastery St. Michael’s Cathedral was built in 1108-13 by Prince Sviatopolk (Michael) Iziaslavych of Kyiv in his “paternal” St. Demetrios’ Monastery.

St. SophiaSt. Sophia’s CathedralThe majestic Cathedral of St. Sophia was built in the first half of the 11th century. This is one of the oldest cathedrals of the Kyiv Rus, which continues to be preserved today.

The Kyiv Pechers̀ka LavraBuilt in 1051, the monastery serves as a historical and cultural symbol of Kyiand cultural symbol of Kyiv, which creates spiritual and cultural value for the Ukrainian nation and also as a spiritual center of the Christian world.

Vydubychi St. Michael’s MonasteryVydubychi Monastery is one of the famous historic monasteries in Kyiv.

Kyiv Mohyla Academy The foundation of this outstanding institution was The foundation of this outstanding institution was established by a wealthy woman, the wife of Marshal, Halshka Hulevychivna.

Great Monument to Prince Volodymyr The monument commemorates Prince Volodymyr - the Baptizer of Rus, and it was the first sculpture monument in Kyiv.

Mariyinskyi PalaceMariyinskyi PalaceIn 1744, The Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, whilst residing in Kyiv, chose this site for the construction of a palace for the Tsar's visits.

Kyiv River stationKyiv River Station is located in Podil near Poshtova Square.

The House with ChimerasThe House with ChimerasThis architectural masterpiece in a modernist style is the product of the imagination of V. Horodets’kyi, Kyiv's architect-cum-romantic, and genuine experimentalist.Park and Monument to Taras Shevchenko The park was established in 1890. In 1939, a monument commemorating Taras Shevchenko was placed in its centecenter.

St. Volodymyr’s CathedralThis classic building of the Rus-Byzantine style was built in 1862-82.

Monument to the Founders of KyivThe monument was established in 1982 in commemoration of the 1500th anniversary of Kyi, Schek, Horiv and their sister Horiv and their sister Lybid.

Park of Eternal GloryIt was opened in 1957 as an integral part of the memorial complex.

Monument to Bohdan KhmelnytskyiThe monument was funded with help of donations. The bronze statue was cast in St. Petersburg in 1879.St. Petersburg in 1879.

Andriyivs̀kyi UzvizThis unique and picturesque place is called «The Monmartre of Kyiv» for being the center of folk craftsmen, painters and antiquarians.

Golden GateThe gate was built in 1037 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise.the Wise.

CUISINE IN UKRAINE

Ukrainian dishes are very much a part of the Ukrainian culture, lifestyle, customs and traditions. The most popular Ukrainian dish is borsch. This thick and delicious soup is prepared with a variety of ingredients including meat, mushrooms, beans, and even prunes.Mushroom soups, bean and pea soups, soups with dumplings and thick millet chowders are also popular."Holubtsi", or stuffed cabbage, is another favorite dish, as are "varenyky" filled with potatoes, meat, cheese, sauerkraut or berries such as blue-berries or cherries.

Ukrainians like dairy products. Some examples are cheese pancakes and "riazhanka" (fermented baked milk). Ukrainians like dairy products. Some examples are cheese pancakes and "riazhanka" (fermented baked milk). There are no holidays without pies, "pampushky" (type of fritters), "baba" (a tall cylindrical cake) and honey cakes.Ukrainian sausage is delicious. It is preserved in a special way, namely,in porcelain vessels filled with melted fat.Of course, every region of Ukraine has its own recipes and traditions.

Some of the best Ukrainian cuisine is actually very simple. Many ingredients are used in what many would consider unusual combinations, creating a unique and sumptuous dish. There are dozens of methods to bake various kinds of bread, which is often used in rituals. Dishes often contain pickled vegetables when fresh ones various kinds of bread, which is often used in rituals. Dishes often contain pickled vegetables when fresh ones are not in season and certain dishes can only be made when ingredients are available.

The most popular national beverages are:● Kvas - made from bread with a sweet-sour taste.● Compote - dried or fresh fruit drink/stewed fruit.● Strong spirits/alcohol (horilka, vodka in Russian) – Samohon/home-made horilka (moonshine) is also popular, including the ones with infusion of fruit, spices or hot peppers.

UKRAINIAN TRADITIONSUKRAINIAN TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS

Ukraine is a wonderful country with rich culture and extremely interesting traditions. Ukrainians pay great attention to the observation of holidays. They try to keep all traditions and customs of their ancestry. As for the features of Ukrainian character, first comes kindness, then hospitality and friendliness. Ukrainians feel respect for the elders, for the deceased; love for children, love of nature and animals. Ukrainians have a knack for humor; they are musical, artistic and wonderful craftsmen famous for their mastery in weaving, wood carving and ceramics. Howeveceramics. However, the greatest talent of the Ukrainians is their skills and expertise which they successfully apple in soil cultivation.

The country's customs and oral folk literature reflect Old Ukrainian pre-Christian and Christian cultures. The rituals derive from the folk calendar, religious celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide, New Year, and the autumn folk festivals dedicated to the end of the agricultural work/the end of the harvest time.The rituals include folk dances, carols, fortune telling, and blessing with water.

The Ukrainians are fond of celebrating holidays. They strictly observe the traditions of Orthodox and national holidays and they willinglyaccept holidays and they willinglyaccept Western holidays, namely, St. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and so on. A great number of holidays can be divided into several groups - public, religious and professional holidays. Public holidays are marked with red in the calendar for you not to forget to have a good rest. When a holiday falls on a non-work day, Saturday or Sunday, the nearest Friday or Monday is a day-off.

Business opportunities in UkraineUkrainian market is very challenging to start up business at it. Ukraine’s rating in the report of the World Bank “Doing Business” in 2011 improved slightly having taken a few points up. The Government admitted the necessity to improve the situation; and at present ambitious tax and public reforms are carried out to make Ukraine a more favorable place for doing business in it. Ukraine is known for its Ukraine a more favorable place for doing business in it. Ukraine is known for its highly-qualified personnel and relatively cheap labor. Communication system, transport and export infrastructure of the country are developed and function efficiently.

International investors estimate positively the possibilities to invest into agriculture, computer technologies, software and infrastructure creation.

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YOUR DEFINITE GUIDE TO UKRAINE