Ukraine is located in the south-eastern part of Central Europe and is the second largest country in Europe. It borders Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, Poland and the Black Sea. This 233,090 square mile country is slightly smaller than Texas.
Ukraine is comprised of 24 provinces, one autonomous republic (Crimea) and two municipalities with provincial status. 77.8 percent of the population of over 46 million are Ukraines. Russians make up another 17 percent. The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian although Russian is also spoken. Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in August of 1991. The dominant religion in Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
The climate of Ukraine is moderate. The mostly level treeless plain called steppe provides very favorable agricultural conditions. They grow wheat, maize, buckwheat, corn, red and green vegetables, all kinds of fruit, melons and berries. They are also large producers of sugar. They are rich in natural resources such as iron ore, coal, oil, gas, salts and potentially water power.
The Orange Revolution, a peaceful protest against rigged elections brought Viktor Yushchenko to power as President in early 2005. Ukraine is considered a republic with separate legislative, executive and judicial branches.
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