The Basics
Country: Ukraine
Where is it: Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and Russia.
Why do people go here: One of the largest countries in the former USSR, Ukraine is more heavily visited than others due to its proximity to Western Europe, but its old-world Soviet-era lifestyle is a draw of its own.
What are the main entry points: Trains enter the country from numerous locations. For anyone entering in the northern part of the country, Kiev is usually the first stop.
Currency used: Hryvnia
Country Code for Phones: 380
Area codes for Major Cities: Odessa 482
Religion: Ukrainian Orthodox – Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox – Kiev Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate), Protestant, Jewish
Population: 48 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3%, Belarusian 0.6%, Moldovan 0.5%, Crimean Tatar 0.5%, Bulgarian 0.4%, Hungarian 0.3%, Romanian 0.3%, Polish 0.3%, Jewish 0.2%, other 1.8%
Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic
Languages: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian
Travel Information
Major Cities: Kiev
Attractions: Kiev, Odessa, Museums
Accommodation: Ukraine Hostels, Ukraine Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: http://www.ukraineinfo.us
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Berditschew, Tarass Chevtchenko
Health Issues: No vaccines are required to enter the Ukraine
When to go: See Ukraine in the spring, when people are shaking off their winter coats, but haven’t gathered up the energy to travel and crowd the cities and beaches.
Common Phrases: Yes = Tak, No = Ahi
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day: August 24 (1991), Unity Holiday: January 22 (1918)
Getting Around: Take the train, unless you’re heading out in the middle of nowhere, or you want to save a few bucks and have a sore rear end from the lack of shock absorbers
Good to know: Ukraine is the second biggest country in Europe.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into St. John’s is the St. John’s International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the St. John’s travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
