Ukrainians are deeply affected by the country's long history that predates the independent state by some 1,500 years. The march of successive civilizations from prehistoric times, the Scythians, Greeks, Varaungian, Slavic, and Turkic peoples have all left their mark. The birthplace of the Slavic state was Kyivan-Rus which flourished a thousand years ago.

Ukraine's area is 233,088 square miles (603,700 sq. km). It's slightly larger than France. Located in southeast Europe, the country consists largely of fertile black soil steppes. Mountainous areas include the Carpathians in the southwest and the Crimean chain in the south. Ukraine is bordered by Belarus on the north, by Russia on the north and east, by the Black Sea on the south, by Moldova and Romania on the southwest, and by Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland on the west. Ukraine is mainly a vast plain with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the southwest and the Black Sea in the south. The Dnipro River with its many tributaries unifies central Ukraine economically, connecting the Baltic coast countries with the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

The population of Ukraine is about 46.9 million, of which 73% is Ukrainian and 22% Russian.

Kiev (Kyiv, in Ukrainian), the capital of Ukraine, has a population of nearly 3 million inhabitants and covers over 43 km from east to west and 42 km from north to south.  Kyiv has much to offer in the cultural and architectural arenas with its wide tree-lined boulevards and historical buildings reflecting various styles and periods of the ancient Kyivan-Rus Empire. Kyiv is a major industrial center that includes companies specializing in electronics, engineering, aviation, food and chemical production, etc. Kyiv's economic development has been enriched by its advantageous location along the Dnipro River, which links Kyiv to the Black Sea.

CHERNIGOV REGION

Chernigov  the capital of the northern region of Ukraine. After 1.5-hour ride by car from Kiev. The population of the city is over 305,000. Chernihiv is the capital of Chernihiv Region, which includes 22 districts, 15 towns, 31 settlements and 1519 villages.

   In the 9th century it was the center of the Slav tribe of Siverians.

There is romantic version about the origin of the Chernigov city’s name.  This is  the legend about Prince Chornyy, who ruled here in the 10 th century, and his daughter Chorna (or Tsorna). As the legend has it, the Princess was unusually beautiful; she liked horse-riding, hunting and was a good archer. The rumors about the girl’s beauty reached the ears of the Khazars’ Kagan (the prince of normadic tribes who lived south-east from the Eastern Slavs), whom Prince Chornyy paid tribute. The Kagan sent to Chernigov his matchmakers with rich presents. But the girl refused to marry her people’s enemy. The Kagan tried to capture the city and take the girl away by force. The townspeople beat off numerous attacks and there was nothing left to the Khazars as to lay siege. At that time Prince Chornyy was at odds with the Grand Duke Oleg of Kiev and he could not expect any help. He decided to break the siege while there was still enough manpower. As soon as the Prince with his armed force left the city walls, a gang of traitors rushed into the Princess’s room on the upper floor of the mansion, which was as high as old oak trees. The Princess managed to hit some of the enemies from her bow and threw herself out of the window when she ran out of arrows.

Chernigov is rich in ancient and historical sights. Most of them are situated in the Old City that lies on the bank of the Desna and is called Val. 

Chernihiv is one of the greenest cities in Ukraine. In spring and summer the golden domes of the ancient churches wallow in the splendid hold of its many parks. In the fall the city becomes vibrant with color, painted as a gift by that master painter--nature herself. The wonderful combination of unique architectural monuments from the past, combined with newer, modern buildings, lend a special charm to the city that makes the city a national treasure.