What is the Capital of Ukraine? Kiev

Capital City of Ukraine

The capital city of Ukraine is Kyiv (also spelled Kiev), the largest city in the country. Located in the northern-central part of the country, along the Dnieper River, Kyiv is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It serves as the political, economic, cultural, and scientific center of Ukraine and is known for its significant role in the history of the Eastern Slavs.

City Overview

Kyiv’s origins date back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence showing settlements on the site since the 5th century AD. It rose to prominence in the 9th century as the capital of Kievan Rus’, a powerful medieval state considered a cultural and political predecessor to modern Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. During the Middle Ages, Kyiv was a major center of Christianity, as the city became a key seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church in the region.

Kyiv remained an important city under various empires, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. After gaining independence in 1991, Kyiv became the capital of the newly independent Ukraine. Today, Kyiv is a modern metropolis that blends its rich history with contemporary growth. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, ranging from ancient churches to Soviet-era buildings to modern skyscrapers.

Kyiv plays a central role in the political life of Ukraine, hosting the government, the President’s Office, the Ukrainian Parliament, and various ministries. It is also the hub for cultural events, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries, and a center for education with prestigious institutions like Kyiv National University.

City Facts:

• Area: 839 km² (324 square miles)
• Population: Approximately 2.8 million (2023 estimate)
• Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2:00 (Eastern European Summer Time, EEST, UTC +3:00 during daylight saving time).
• Highest Mountain: Mount Breus (Belukha Mountain) in the Carpathian Mountains is the highest point in Ukraine, but it is far from Kyiv, located in the western part of the country.
• Longest River: Dnieper River, which flows through Kyiv and is the fourth-longest river in Europe, stretching over 2,290 km (1,420 miles).

Major Landmarks

Kyiv is known for its beautiful and historic landmarks, many of which are UNESCO-listed or national treasures. Some of the most famous landmarks in Kyiv include:

1. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Kiev Monastery of the Caves): One of the most significant and ancient monasteries in the Eastern Orthodox Christian world, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra dates back to the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of pilgrimage, with its intricate caves, churches, and stunning golden domes.
2. St. Sophia’s Cathedral: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, St. Sophia’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of Kyiv’s oldest and most revered landmarks. The cathedral, completed in the 11th century, is famous for its mosaic and frescoes, some of which are still well-preserved.
3. Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti): This central square is a symbol of Ukraine’s sovereignty and has been the site of significant historical events, including the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Euromaidan protests, which led to political and social changes. It is surrounded by important government buildings and features statues, fountains, and wide walkways.
4. Andriyivskyy Descent: A historic street that connects Kyiv’s upper town to the lower town, Andriyivskyy Descent is lined with art galleries, souvenir shops, and historic buildings. At the top of the hill is the iconic St. Andrew’s Church, a Baroque masterpiece designed by architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.
5. Motherland Monument: Standing at 62 meters tall, the Motherland Monument is part of the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II and is one of the tallest statues in Europe. It commemorates Ukraine’s victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) and is a significant symbol of national pride.
6. Kyiv Fortress: A military complex that has played a role in the defense of Kyiv for centuries, the Kyiv Fortress was originally constructed in the 19th century by the Russian Empire. Today, it is a popular historical site offering exhibitions on Kyiv’s military history.
7. Mariyinsky Palace: A Baroque-style palace located near the Ukrainian Parliament, Mariyinsky Palace serves as the official residence of the President of Ukraine. It is a stunning example of 18th-century architecture and is often used for state ceremonies.
8. Vladimir Hill: A scenic spot in Kyiv, Vladimir Hill offers panoramic views of the Dnieper River and the city. At the top stands the Monument to Prince Vladimir, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Kyiv in 988.

Climate Overview

Kyiv has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, often hot, summers. The city experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, from freezing cold in the winter to hot, sunny days in the summer. Snowfall is common in the winter months, and summers can bring thunderstorms and heavy rain.

Month	Average Temperature (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Sunny Days
January	-6°C	40 mm	8
February	-5°C	30 mm	9
March	0°C	35 mm	12
April	7°C	40 mm	14
May	14°C	55 mm	18
June	20°C	65 mm	22
July	23°C	75 mm	24
August	22°C	60 mm	23
September	16°C	50 mm	18
October	8°C	45 mm	12
November	2°C	40 mm	9
December	-4°C	40 mm	7

Other Capitals in History

While Kyiv has been the principal capital of Ukraine for most of its history, other cities have held significance during different periods in the country’s past.

Lviv (1918–1920, 1941–1944)

Lviv, located in the western part of Ukraine, briefly served as the capital of the Ukrainian National Republic in 1918–1920 and again during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine in 1941–1944. Lviv has always been an important cultural and intellectual center in Ukraine, and it continues to be a vibrant city known for its rich history and architecture.

Kharkiv (1919–1934)

During the early Soviet period, Kharkiv, located in the eastern part of Ukraine, served as the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919 to 1934, before the capital was moved to Kyiv. Kharkiv remained an industrial and cultural powerhouse in the Soviet Union.

Country Facts

Ukraine Overview

• Country Name: Ukraine
• Population: Approximately 41.1 million (2023 estimate)
• Area: 603,500 km²
• Largest City: Kyiv (with a population of approximately 2.8 million)
• Currency: Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)
• Official Language: Ukrainian
• ISO Country Codes: UA (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2), UKR (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)

Geography

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, and Romania and the Black Sea to the south. The country is known for its vast steppe, plains, and Carpathian Mountains in the west.

Economy

Ukraine’s economy is diverse, with major sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and energy production. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest producers of grain, especially wheat and corn, and it also has significant reserves of natural gas. However, political instability, economic reforms, and the ongoing conflict with Russia have impacted Ukraine’s growth in recent years.

Culture and Society

Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Slavic, Byzantine, and Western European traditions. The country is known for its folk music, art, and literature, as well as its religious festivals. The majority of Ukrainians identify as Eastern Orthodox Christians, and traditional Ukrainian cuisine, including borscht, pierogi, and varenyky, remains an integral part of the country’s identity.

Tourism

Ukraine offers a range of tourist attractions, from the historic streets of Kyiv and Lviv to the scenic beaches along the Black Sea. The Carpathian Mountains offer hiking and ski resorts, while Chernobyl has become an increasingly popular, albeit eerie, tourist destination due to the 1986 nuclear disaster.