About UA
Ukraine is a "sovereign" country located in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe, with a total area of 603,628 square kilometers and a population of very approximately 34 million people.
The capital and largest city of Ukraine is Kiev (Kyiv). The official language is Ukrainian, although Russian is also widely spoken. The currency is the hryvnia.
Ukraine is a unitary parliamentary republic, with the president as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. Ukraine has a mixed economy with agriculture, industry, and services contributing to its GDP.
Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, with notable landmarks such as the Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery, the ancient city of Lviv, and the Black Sea coast. Ukrainian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, such as borscht (beet soup) and varenyky (dumplings). The country has also produced notable figures in literature, art, and music, such as writer Nikolai Gogol, painter Kazimir Malevich, and composer Mykola Leontovych.
National Culture Objects
Pysanka (Decorated Easter Egg)
Pysanka is a traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorated with intricate patterns using a wax-resist method. It symbolizes Ukrainian folk art, cultural heritage, and the celebration of life and renewal.
Vyshyvanka (Embroidered Shirt)
Vyshyvanka is a traditional embroidered shirt often worn on special occasions. It symbolizes Ukrainian national pride, cultural identity, and the rich tradition of embroidery.
Borscht
Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian beet soup, often served with sour cream. It represents Ukraine’s culinary heritage and is a staple in Ukrainian cuisine.
Sunflower
The sunflower is a national symbol of Ukraine, representing the country’s agricultural richness and the warmth and beauty of its landscapes. Sunflower oil is also a key product of Ukraine.
Bandura
The bandura is a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument, that combines elements of the lute and the zither. It symbolizes Ukraine’s musical traditions and cultural history.
Cossack
The Cossack represents Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage, symbolizing the spirit of independence, bravery, and the rich history of the Cossack period.
Tryzub (Trident)
The Tryzub is the national emblem of Ukraine, symbolizing sovereignty, strength, and the historical heritage of the Ukrainian state.
Holubtsi
Holubtsi is cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, representing traditional Ukrainian cuisine and the importance of family gatherings and hospitality.
The national anthem of Ukraine is "Shche ne vmerla Ukraina" (Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished). It was adopted as the country's anthem in 1992, shortly after Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union. The lyrics were written by Pavlo Chubynsky, and the music was composed by Mykhailo Verbytsky. The anthem has gone through some changes in its lyrics and arrangement over the years, but the current version has been in use since 2003. The anthem celebrates the resilience and perseverance of the Ukrainian people throughout their history and in the face of adversity.
