The second largest country in Europe, Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991, and has since developed into an open, modern democracy with plenty to offer to the traveller. From the urban sprawl of Kiev and other major cities, to the many small villages where time has stood still, Ukraine is a land of contrasts that attracts many curious visitors every year; keen to see what the country is all about.
Most of them arrive into Kiev, the city that once governed a huge swathe of central Europe including much of Modern Russia and Belarus, as the seat of power in the Slavic super state of Kievan Rus that lasted for around 200 years until the 11th century.
Kiev has been in existence for at least 1500 years, and although the bombing of World War II damaged much of the city, there is still an impressive Old Town centred on the 11th Century Cathedral of St Sofia, although many visitors find themselves queuing at the famous Bessarabsky Market to find a bargain or two.
Kiev is home to many museums, including the Historical Treasures Museum, which unsurprisingly has a fantastic collection of Historical Treasures including a large exhibit of Scythian Goldwork from almost 3000 years ago that has to be seen to be believed.
Kiev is also home to the best nightlife in Ukraine, and although some areas have developed a sleazy reputation for hookers and strip joints, on the whole the nightlife is glitzy and glamorous, and there are many nightclubs where the nouveau riche of newly capitalist Ukraine strut their stuff in the latest Italian fashions.
Facts for the Traveller
Name: Ukraine
Capital: Kiev
Area: 603,700 sq km
Population: 48.1 million
Language: Ukranian, Russian, Romanian
Flight Time: 3.5 Hours from London
Currency: Ukranian Hryvnia
