Ukraine - Useful information for your trip

Ukraine is an Eastern European country with Kiev as a capital city. It is lapped south by the Black Sea and its official language is Ukrainian, although widespread is also Russian. The Ukrainian landscape is mainly characterized by fertile plains or steppes crossed by several rivers, such as the Dnepr, the Donets, the Dniester and Southern Bug flowing into the Black Sea and the smaller Sea of ​​Azov. In the south-western part the Danube Delta marks the border with Romania. The few mountain ranges are formed by the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, whose highest top is Hoverla with its 2061 meters. Finally, there are the mountains of the Crimean peninsula.

The climate is continental temperate, with cold winters and mild summers, whereas rainfall varies from area to area. Regarding the environment, in the Carpathians pine and oak trees grow, while the protected flora includes the yew tree, the edelweiss and the Carpathian rhododendron. Askaniya Nova wildlife park is the best area to observe large animals, including the Przewalski horses, also called "ponies of Mongolia", the last wild horses in the world.

In Soviet times, the Ukrainian economy was among the most advanced, now it is one of the most open among the post-Soviet countries and is still growing. From 5% to 7% of public spending in Ukraine is used for various forms of compensation related to the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Historically its strongest sectors were the cultivation of grain, timber and mining. Industrial production is growing substantially over recent decades, especially in the mechanical engineering industry, in printing, in automotive construction and steel industry.

During a trip or vacation in Ukraine it must be recalled that the main tourist attractions are concentrated in large cities, especially Kiev, the capital, and Odessa, which is popular for its beautiful monuments and beaches. To understand the history of this country you can visit the archaeological museum, the ethnographic museum, the historical museums, the catacombs, which were once used by smugglers, partisans and revolutionaries.

In Kiev worth visiting is the Old Town and the cathedrals, including the beautiful Cathedral of St. Sophia. Nature lovers will appreciate the Carpathian National Park, where it is possible to take guided tours.