Ukraine, located in
Eastern Europe, is bordered by Russia to the north and east, Belarus to the
north-west and Poland, the Slovak Republic and Hungary to the west. The country
has many different geographic area types. There are mountains to the west and
forests to the north, and the Black Sea to the south. With all of this
variation Ukraine is rich with natural beauty. Although the capital of the
country is Kyiv, there are many other large cities spread throughout the
country such as Odessa and Lviv.

Ukraine is very rich in old world culture. With many forms of art and
architecture visible throughout the country, it is easy to find something of
interest no matter where you are. Ukraine is rich in history with such
notable characters as Genghis Khan. Be sure to check out the numerous
palaces and castles.
The food in Ukraine has a European feeling to it. With many different
restaurants located throughout all the major cities you will not have a hard
time finding something to tempt your appetite. Currency within Ukraine should
not be a problem with many places to convert it and most places accept major
credits cards as well. The many tourist associations in the cities are more
than helpful in assuring that your trip will be a great one.

The climate of the country is moderate. Winter is rather mild, with no severe
frosts but with regular snowfalls everywhere except the south. The rivers and
lakes freeze in winter. The average winter temperature varies -20 Centigrade in
the north to -35 in the south. Summer is quite hot and dry, with occasional
showers and thunderstorms.

Travelers must declare all cash and jewelry, regardless of value, upon
entering Ukraine. Any undeclared items are subject to confiscation. Under
customs regulations, travelers may bring up to 10,000 U.S. dollars into Ukraine
without special permission. More than 10,000 U.S. dollars requires a written
statement by the traveler. There are strict customs regulations and procedures
regarding the export of antiquities and items of historical interest.
Ukraine is a
cash economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance
in larger cities. However, use of credit cards is limited to better hotels,
Western-style restaurants, international airlines and selected stores. Customs
regulations prohibit sending cash, traveler's checks, personal checks, credit
cards, or passports through the international mail system. Customs authorities
regularly confiscate these items as contraband. Changing U.S. dollars for
Ukrainian hryvnia or another currency is legal only at banks, currency exchange
desks at hotels, and licensed exchange booths. Carry your passport at all
times.
Full country name: Ukraine
Area: 603,700 sq km (233,000 sq mi)
Population: 49.1 million
Capital city: Kiev (pop 2.6 million)
People: Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian
Religion: Ukrainian Orthodox, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox,
Ukrainian Catholic, Protestant, Jewish
Government: Republic
President: Leonid D Kuchma
Prime Minister: Anatolii Kinakh
GDP: US$108.5 billion
GDP per head: US$2200
Annual growth: -1.7%
Inflation: 20%
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
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