- Population:
- 37,860,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Ukraine's history includes the Kyivan Rus, a powerful medieval state that laid the foundation for Ukrainian identity. It later fell under Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian rule before becoming part of the Soviet Union in 1922. Ukraine declared independence in 1991 but has since faced political challenges, including the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Today, Ukraine continues to seek closer ties with Europe while defending its sovereignty.
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Belarus to the north, Russia to the northeast and east, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south. Covering an area of approximately 603,550 square kilometers, it is the largest country entirely within Europe. Ukraine has a population of about 41 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Kyiv. The official language is Ukrainian. Ukraine operates as a unitary semi-presidential republic. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, industry, and services. Ukraine is known for its fertile plains, rich cultural heritage, and historical landmarks. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the Eastern Partnership.