Kiev at a glance…

• Capital and largest city of Ukraine - pop. 3 million

• One of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe - founded 482 CE

• Historical centre of the East Slavic civilization

• Home to many world-famous historical landmarks

• Highly developed public transport system including the Kiev Metro

• Was classified as a Beta world city as of 2004

• Was center stage to Ukraine’s famed Orange Revolution (2004-2005)

Kyiv from St. Sophia Monastery

Climate

Summers are hot and sultry, peaking around 30 °C (86 °F). Winters are long, but becoming noticebly milder with mean temperatures around the -3 °C (26.6 °F) mark, dropping down to -15 °C (-5 °F) around the New Year period. Springs are brief but lush and autumns are cool and colourful. The warmest months are June, July and August and the coldest are December, January and February.

Why choose Kiev?

Kiev is Ukraine’s most international city - it’s small enough to be friendly, but also offers all the enticements of the big city catering for all tastes and experiences.

• offers Ukraine’s most conteporary music sceneKiev’s famous Patipa nightclub

• vibrant nightlife and dance music scene

• the country’s historical and cultural centre

• very ‘Expat Friendly’

• Ukraine’s transport hub

• Has excellent shopping, restaurants and cafes

• Access to outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking, wakeboarding and skydiving
  

 Modern Kiev

Today, Kiev is a mix of the old and new. This can be felt everywhere you look - from the architecture of the buildings, to the products on the shelves of supermarkets and small shops, and even to the people themselves.

Consistent population growth after the turn of the millennium has resulted in a vibrant and modern downtown nestled amongst the pale yellows, blues and grays of older residential blocks.

Ukrainian independence in 1991 has heralded other changes as well. Western-style residential complexes, hip nightclubs, classy restaurants and expensive hotels can now be found throughout the centre. With the easing of visa rules in 2005, Ukraine is positioning itself to become a prime tourist attraction.

Ukraine at a glance…

• Gained independence on August 24, 1991

• Member of the Commonwealth of Independent States

• Second largest country in Eastern Europe

• Borders seven countries: Slovakia, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Moldovia, Romania and Hungary

• Was the largest and most powerful state of 10th and 11th century Europe

Geography

Situated in the East European plain, Ukraine consists mostly of lowlands bound from the south by the Black Sea and from the west by the Carpathian Mountains. The River Dnipro flows through Kiev and the central part of the country into the Black Sea. Other important rivers are the Dnister, Desna, Pivdennyi Booh, Siverskyi Donets’ and Danube.

The Carpathian MountainsThe Carpathian Mountains are located in the western part of the country. The highest point of Ukraine is Mt. Hoverla (2,061 metres). The Carpathians boast several ski resorts, including Bukovel, Ukraine’s premier European-class skiing and snowboarding resort.

The Crimean Mountains run parallel to the south-east coast the Crimean Peninsula. The highest point is Roman-Kosh (1,545 metres). Crimea is studded with summer sea-bathing resorts. Smothered with greenery, vineyards and fruit orchards are abundant in the region. Numerous Crimean Tatar villages, mosques, monasteries, and palaces of the Russian imperial family and nobles can be found here, as well as picturesque ancient Greek and medieval castles.