Ukraine is bordered by the Russian Federation, Belarus, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. It is a varied country with mountains in the west, plains in the centre and breathtaking Black Sea views in the south. Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and the third-largest city in the CIS. It is also the cradle of Russian civilisation, the origin of the Kyiv Rus State founded in the eighth and ninth centuries. The Caves Monastery in the city centre is the focal point of the early Orthodox church. The Golden Gate of Kyiv is the last remnant of the 10th-century walls built to defend the city. The Crimea was once a summer playground for Kremlin leaders. Hotels and services are relatively cheap for Westerners. It is Yalta, the ‘Pearl of the Crimea’, which draws visitors. The region’s vineyards produce good-quality wine. Specialities include borshch (beetroot soup) and holubtsi (cabbage rolls). Opera is performed in the ornate theatres of Kyiv, Lvov and Odessa. Ukrainians have a deep-rooted musical tradition and singing is very popular.

Ukrainian people are warm and particularly friendly to visitors. It is not at all uncommon for Ukrainians to invite strangers into their own homes. People on the street are friendly despite the rigours of post-Soviet life. Formal attire is rarely required, though people dress smartly for the theatre. Visitors should avoid ostentatious displays of wealth in public places.

Area: 603700 sq km (233,090 sq miles)

Population: 47.8 million (UN estimate 2005).

Capital: Kyiv. Population: 2.67 million (official estimate 2005).