Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine has been a part of the Soviet Union for many decades. It became independent in 1991. Kiev, the capital of the country, is a cultural and architectural landmark.

Ukraine is also the second largest country in Europe after Russia. It is situated in the east and is bordered to the north by Russia and to the west by Poland and the Czech Republic. It is a land of varied ethnic and linguistic groups. Historically, Ukraine was a territory dominated by Orthodox East Slavs. However, the Russians gained control of most of the country in the late 1700s. The country was coveted for its rich agricultural lands, mineral resources, and geostrategic location.

During World War II, the Ukrainian people suffered terrible wartime devastation. During Stalin’s collectivisation campaign, seven million peasants died of man-made famine. A nationalist movement gained traction after the famine.

In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States began a formal diplomatic relationship with Ukraine. The two countries signed a bilateral investment treaty and a U.S.-Ukraine Charter on Strategic Partnership, which highlights the importance of the relationship and encourages enhanced cooperation in defense and economics.

The United States and Ukraine have a bilateral investment treaty and a permanent normal trade relations status. The United States attaches great importance to the success of Ukraine’s transition. A new constitution was adopted in 1996. A new currency, the hryvnia, was established. The government has blocked some popular Russian social networks. Most European citizens are permitted to enter Ukraine without a visa.

While Ukraine has been a part of the Soviet empire for decades, it has been a contested region for centuries. In the 1300s, most of the country was ruled by the Polish-Lithuanian nobility. The country’s climate is softer than the steppes of Eurasia. It is a major producer of raw materials. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture.

The country’s geography and climate are very diverse. Its Carpathian Mountains are protected by UNESCO and are a great place to hike or mountain bike. The Zaporizhian Sich is a huge tourist attraction. The area is known for its unique black soil that formed under the steppe vegetation. During World War II, Ukraine was a major target of Nazi occupation.

Ukraine has been a center of armed revolts against Soviet rule during and after World War II. The Cossacks played a key role in the formation of the Ukrainian national identity. The Cossacks, a transnational East Slavic cultural group, are known for their love of freedom and horsemanship. Stories about the Cossacks are woven into the literature, music, and overall art of the country.

Most of the country’s population is Orthodox. About 10% of the population is Catholic. The country’s major languages are Ukrainian, Russian, and Romanian. There are six different churches that claim to be the church of Ukraine.

The country’s main railway stations are in Kyiv and Lviv. There are a number of international trains that connect Ukraine with many other countries. The most popular route is from Moscow to Kiev.