Ukraine
About the county
The Ukraine which is located in Eastern Europe east is one of the largest country in this area of Europe framing Russia in the North-East, Belarus in north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary the west, in Romania and Moldau in south-west and also Black Sea and sea of Azov in the south. It is a popular destination of tourists particularly for tourists from Western Europe and of North America. The principal point of sale is the rich historical character of the country with as many five hundred cities going up as of nine hundred years. Visitors are fascinated by the architectural beauty of the Ukraine. Kiev is the capital and the largest city of the Ukraine where the majority of the travellers begin their voyage.
Population & Languages
Ukraine has a population of roughly 46.7 million and the official language is Ukrainian. The other languages spoken here are Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian.
Electricity
Voltage - 220 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European Round pin attachment plug
Geographic Location
The Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe framing Russia in the North-East, Belarus in north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary the west, in Romania and Moldau in south-west and also Black Sea and sea of Azov in the south.The strategic location of Ukraine between Asia and Europe made it a transportation hub in the region.
Local Customs
Ukrainians are warm hearted and welcoming people. Casual dressing is mostly worn here though it will be a good idea to wear smartly for theatres. Small gifts are appreciated. Tipping is not very common; service is usually included in fine restaurants and hotel bills.
Places to see
St Sophia Cathedral – As old as nine centuries, it is one of the architectural marvels of Ukraine.
Kiev-Pechersk Lavra (Caves Monastery) – These caves are as old as one millennium and dating back to 11th century.
Great Patriotic War Museum
Statue of the Motherland, Kiev
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Ukraine is Ukrainian International Airlines. In collaboration with Aer Fi Group and Austrian Airline it links Kyiv to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Rotterdam, Vienna and Zurich. There is one more airline in Ukraine called Air Ukraine which serves relatively less number of European cities. Lviv is also connected to New York, Warsaw and Washington. It is connected to Turkey through Simferopol and to UK through IvanoFrankivsk. The major airport is Boryspil State International Airport (KBP) which is located twenty five miles from Kiev.
By Sea – The primary ports of Ukraine are Izmail and Odessa which are situated on the River Danube. The ferry services connect Ukraine with Russia and Georgia. They also connect various cities on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Sevastopol is the port which connects Istanbul, Turkey.
By Rail – Ukraine has approximately 14,000 miles of railway tracks linking most towns and cities. Kyiv and Lviv are the main stations which connect with Moscow on a daily basis. Ukraine also has direct lines to Berlin (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Warsaw (Poland) and Bucharest (Romania).
By Road – Ukraine has an extensive network of roads with approximately 107,000 mile of road network out of which nearly 18,000 mile is main or national roads.
Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gm tobacco
2. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
3. Goods for personal use with a combined value of €200
Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.