Introduction to Ukraine

Quick Overview

Key Facts

Type of place: country.

Location: on the shores of the Black Sea, bordering Russia.

Latitude/longitude: 50°27' N, 30°31' E.

Local time: Heure : 5742

Capital: Kyiv.

Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.

Official language: Ukrainian (13 other languages, including Russian, are regionally recognised).

Currency: Hryvnia.

Population:

Area:

Highest point: Mount Hoverla (2,061 m).

Lowest point: sea level.

Coastline:

Driving: on the right.

Tourism

In conflict with its Russian neighbour for several years, the country—and particularly the Crimean region—has seen its tourism plummet (at least from the rest of Europe). Nevertheless, western Ukraine still offers some wonderful discoveries, starting with cities like Lviv or its capital, Kyiv.

Currently, the destination still attracts over 14 million visitors per year (14.202 million in 2018), the vast majority of whom come from Eastern Europe. That said, before the "crisis," the number of tourists often exceeded 20 million.

Travel Essentials

Destination: for slightly experienced travellers.

By air: France-Kyiv.

Entry requirements: passport.

Currency to bring: euros.

Exchange rate:

Daily "backpacker" budget:

Best for accommodation:

Best for getting around:

Risks:

Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

"Quality of life": 88/188 (rank in 2018)

GDP per capita: $8,800 (2017)

Average monthly income: ()

Inflation: +14.4% (2017)

"Official" unemployment: 9.2% (2017)

Population below the poverty line: 3.8% (2016)

Life expectancy: 72.4 years (2018)

Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)

Population growth: +0.04% (2018)

Literacy rate: 99.8% (2015)

Urban population: 69.4% (2018)

Press freedom: 101/180 (rank in 2018)

Political regime: hybrid regime (84/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook