UKRAINE GEOGRAFICAL LOCATION & POPULATION & LANGUAGE Ukraine Declared Independence: August 24, 1991. It is situated in Eastern Europe and lies in the Dnipro River basin. Neighboring Ukraine are the countries of Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Romania. In the South, Ukraine is washed by the Black and Azov Seas. The area of Ukraine is 603,700 sq.km (2333,089 sq. Miles), the population is 51,728,400.
Kiev (Kyiv, in Ukrainian), is the Capital of Ukraine and the biggest city. About 3 million people live in Kiev.
Ethnic Composition: Ukrainian 73%, Russia 22%, Jewish 1%, other 4%
Approximately 85% of the Ukrainian population is Orthodox Christians; 10% are Catholics of the Byzantine rite; 3% are Protestant (mainly Baptists); 1.3% is of Jewish faith.
Main Industries: Agriculture ( grains, potatoes, beets, cooking oil, canned goods, dairy products) and manufacturing ( electrical goods, agricultural machinery) iron ore, coal, chemicals.
Official state language in Ukraine is Ukrainian, but Russian is widely used. In big cities, people speak mostly Russian, and in villages - Ukrainian. All official documents are exercised in Ukrainian, mass media uses two languages. Many people have basic knowledge of English. Hotels, restaurants, bars, private companies hire people who know English. But do not hope to hear English in shops, kiosks, town transport.
CLIMATE
Climate in Ukraine is basically sparingly-continental, in the Crimea - a subtropical climate of Mediterranean type. Winters are long, snowy and cool, average temperature in January is - 6 C (21 F). The coolest month is February. Summer is short and not very hot, average temperature in July is + 19 C (67 F). In July, August there can be + 32 C more often + 25-30 C. Change of seasons is very distinct in Ukraine, snowy winter, flowering warm springtime, hot summer and gilded autumn. In Odessa temperature is usually 5-10 C higher then in the rest of Ukraine due to Southern location.
UKRAINE CURRENCY
Since 1996 Official state currency is Hrivna. There are money bills by nominal values 1,2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 hrivnas and small change coins by nominal values 1,2,5,10,25,50 kopecks. Payments on the territory of Ukraine are accepted only in national currency (hrivnas). You may exchange your country money for hrivnas at ATMs located in all big cities by Banks and in the streets and in banks. In order to avoid fraud and troubles, do not use services of street changers. Credit cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants, shops.
ELECTRICITY
Standard voltage in electric networks in Ukraine is 220 volts. Faults in electricity supply occur very seldom and, as a rule, are immediately eliminated.
WATER
For drinking water, Ukrainians use water filters, or boil tap water. We do not advise you to drink tap water without filtering. Better buy drinking water or mineral water in a store. Many people use water taken from artesian bore holes, from the depth of 300 m underground. The springs of artesian water are scattered all over big cities. Usually, they are fenced, sheltered and have water characteristics. This water is cleaner than tap water, but it also should be boiled before drinking.
CRIME SITUATION
In spite of common view in Western newspapers that Ukrainian Mafia is everywhere and watching You and that streets of Ukrainian cities are dangerous for foreign tourists, this is not true. In fact, streets of any city in Ukraine are much safer than streets of NEW YORK, Los-Angeles or Chicago. You can freely walk downtown at night. Try not to attract attention, do not carry a lot of money, do not use ATMs in the streets late at night, watch your baggage and your own pocket when using public transport. Do not take a taxi if there are already several passengers in it. Follow a principle of good sense and Your stay in Ukraine will be pleasant and safe.

UKRAINIAN CUSTOMS
When visiting Ukraine, it may be useful to know few simple rules of etiquette:

• If you are invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake or a bouquet of flowers is customary. If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well.
• Take off your gloves when shaking hands. Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering. Usually hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.
• Going to upscale restaurants, expect that your coat, briefcase will be checked.
• When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted.
• If you bring flowers, make sure it is an uneven number of flowers. Even numbers are only brought to funerals.
• Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting friends. Ukrainians are known for their generosity when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be considered rude and disrespect.
• Be ready to toast at dinner, guests are often asked to do so. Offer your snacks and cigarettes to those around you, it is a tradition to share.
• For business meeting, dress should be conservative, jeans and sneakers are not acceptable. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked, but should take off their hats.
• In Orthodox churches women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats. Loud talk or laugh is prohibited.
• Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers - this is a very rude gesture.