22.5.08

Ukraine Short Info

Independent from Soviet Russia since 24.08. 1991
Add 2 hours to GMT upon arrival
Official language is Ukrainian
Major religion is Ukrainian orthodox Christianity
Population is 48 million people
About 3 million live in the capital city Kiev
Ukraine is the biggest country of Europe (603,700 square km)
Ukraine is divided into 24 regions.
Borders: Poland, Russia, Belorussia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova
Summer time one hour forward in March, winter one hour back in October
Big cities: Kharkov, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Lvov, Yalta
Ukraine is a parliamentary country, current president Viktor Yushchenko
Local currency is called Hryvnya (UAH) also spelled Hryvnia or Hryvna
Climate is continental, subtropical in southern parts at the Black Sea.
Kiev (Kyiv) is believed to have been founded around 482 A.D.

Oops! There seem to be more pickpockets lately out there. Ignore tricksters claiming you've dropped some money, trying to make you take out your wallet. Some, though dressed normally, will show you a fake police ID and demand to check your documents - do not show them anything and try to walk away or call someone on your phone. Ladies, watch your bags closely in crowded places - even in cafes and restaurants - have your belongings always in sight.

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