About Ukraine   

History. The first settlements appeared on the territory of Ukraine 10,000 to 15,000 years ago. At the end of the 5th and the beginning of the 6th centuries, as the legend has it, three brothers - Kyi, Khoriv and Shchek founded a town and named it after the eldest brother Kyi as Kyiv. Since then Kyiv with its exceptionally favorable location in southeast Europe, has always swarmed with people. The development of Ukraine was indivisible from struggle for the strengthening of the old Rus feudal state.

Legends, chronicles and historical documents contain descriptions of the courageous and brave Ukrainians defending Ukraine against the Khazars and Pechenegs, Polovets and Tatar-Mongols, Luthuanian and Polish feudal lords. For many years Ukraine witnessed feuds, destruction of its fortifications and architecture, however, each time it rose from ashes and rubble even more beautiful.
During the Soviet Union the culture, science and art were developed and prospered. More than 10 years ago Ukraine became independent. It brought changes in every realm of life for Ukrainians. There are good and bad changes. Every year Ukraine comes closer to the European standards of living. It becomes more beautiful and charming and Kyiv attracts many tourists from all over the world. We believe you will fall in love with Kyiv and enjoy your stay in Ukraine! Ukraine and its capital Kyiv are situated in Eastern Europe. The territory of the country is 6,037,000 sq.mi, population - 51,740,000
The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. Kyiv occupies more then 790 sq.mi. and sits on both banks of the Dnieper River. Its population is 2,642,700.

Climate in Ukraine is basically sparingly-continental; in the Crimea - a subtropical climate of Mediterranean type. Winters are strong, snowy and cool, average temperature in January is - 6.oC (21o F). The coolest month is February. Summer is short, not very hot, average temperature in June is +19oC (67o F). In July, August there can be + 32o C, more often + 25, 30oC. Change of seasons is very distinct in Ukraine, snowy Winter, flowering warm Springtime, hot Summer and golden Autumn.

Currency. The local currency is Hrivna. The rates between Hrivna and US Dollar are quite stable. It's about 5.4 these days. You can view the current rate.

Water. The Ukrainian government recommends that you boil the tap water before drinking it to avoid bacterial infections or you may buy drinking water in any local shop.

Radiation. As you probably remember, the tragic accident at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor happened in 1986. In Kyiv, though the level of background radiation is considered to be safe, or normal, according to the U. S. Embassy, if you are travelling outside Kyiv, the main area of concern is the northern part of Zhitomir region.

Language. Ukrainian - is the official state language. However, on the streets of Kyiv, you may hear Russian too. So if you want to buy a phrase book, it would be more reasonable to buy a Russian one. Until Independence, Ukrainian was spoken mainly in the villages. Russian was the language of business, education, culture and art. Now Ukrainian language plays bigger part in life of Ukrainian society.

Crime. For the most part, crime against foreigners has been limited to theft. We recommend that you take the usual precautions that any traveler takes: keep an eye on your belongings and don't show everybody how much money you have.

Tips. A 5% service charge is often added to restaurant bills, but you may still add your own tip, we suggest 10% or less.

Ukrainian etiquette.

When visiting Ukraine, there are a few simple rules of etiquette that may be useful:

• If 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.
• Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.
• When shaking hands, take off your gloves.
• Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.
• On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.

For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked.
In Orthodox churches women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers - this is a very rude gesture.
Getting out of a vehicle a man offers his hand to a lady
Men open doors for ladies and let them in first