Ukraine, located in southwest former USSR placed in central Europe, is bordered by Russia to the north & east, Belarus to the Northwest & Poland, the Slovak Republic and Hungary to the west.Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, with the breakup of the former Soviet Union.

All of Russia's former republics then formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with headquarters in Minsk, Belarus.Rich in natural resources, Ukraine was once called the "Breadbasket of Europe," because of its fertile soil and beneficial climate conditions.

Sadly, the tragic 1986 Chornobyl nuclear accident (just north of Kiev) still lingers, and dangerous land contamination and radioactivity concerns are viable problems.

Ukraine is a member of European Union. There are mountains to the west and forest to the north & black sea to the south. Capital of the country is Kyiv. The second richest former Soviet Republic, Ukraine contains some of the richest land informer USSR.

Other Large Cities: Kharkiv, Donetske, Odessa, Lviv; Area: 603,700 sq.km. Pop: 4809m; Literacy: 99%

State languages like Ukrainian, Russian, German and English are widely used. Ukraine is a presidential parliamentary republic, with the authority divided between the President (Head of the executive power), Verkhovna Rada (legislative power, Parliament) and court system. Political life is characterized by a great number of political parties. The main law is the Constitution adopted in 1997.