Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe with the territory of 603,700 sq.km. Its population is 50 million people. The capital and the largest city of Ukraine is Kiev. The neighboring countries of Ukraine are: Belarus, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova and Poland. To the South Ukraine is washed with Black Sea and Sea of Azov. The country has the sea boarders with Turkey, Bulgaria and Georgia.

Ukraine has a well-developed economy with considerable portions of agricultural and industrial sectors. Space and rocket engineering, aircraft and ship building, high tech equipment production are among the main branches of the Ukrainian industry.

Cultural life of national minorities in Ukraine - Bulgarian, Greek, Jewish, Crimean Tartar, German, Polish, Russian, Romanian, Hungarian and dozens of others - is very diversified. A system of national schools, libraries, mass media, scientific centers, radio and television, theatres and creative societies is being developed. Languages of all peoples inhabiting the territory of Ukraine are granted equality on the state level.

Ukraine is distinguished by a high level scientific potential. The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has won a world-wide recognition as a science center of physical studies of materials, in particular, in the sphere of electric welding, special electric metallurgy, synthetic super hard materials and tools made from them. The National Academy of sciences, higher educational institutions of Ukraine maintain broad international contacts. Broadening of international contacts has become a positive tendency.

Higher education within the Ukrainian community has always been open to foreign students. Its student body comprised of men and women from all over the world has the invaluable experience of studying together with students from many different natural and cultural backgrounds. The contact with students all over the world broadens understanding of other peoples and provides valuable friendships, some of which last a lifetime.

TRANSPORTATION: Ukraine is linked with most major European cities. Most international flights go to Ukraine. International trains enter Ukraine from several countries. Sail by ship is also available between various cities in the black sea and Mediterranean. All official land border crossings into Ukraine are unrestricted, if you have a visa ahead of time.

CURRENCY: Hryvnya (UAH) = 100 Kopiyok (singular-kopiyka). Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 10, 5, 2, and 1 hryvnya. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 kopiyok. Foreign currencies should only be changed at currency exchanges on the streets or in banks. Credit cards are not readily accepted, only restaurants and hotels will accept them. 1 Ukraine Hryvnia = 8.31216 Indian Rupee.