50+ Weirdest & Little-Known Facts About Ukraine
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Interesting Facts about Ukraine |
Contents |
What and Where is Ukraine
Ukraine is a stunning European nation. Before the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, it was a Soviet republic. Since then, Ukraine has existed as a sovereign nation.
Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, when the communist Supreme Soviet (parliament) of Ukraine announced that Ukraine would no longer follow the laws of the USSR and only the laws of the Ukrainian SSR.
The government of Ukraine officially proposed the name change to Ukraine in 1993. The American ambassador, William Taylor, was aware that some Ukrainians would take the inclusion of the article "the" as an insult and argued that it showed a lack of respect for Ukraine's independence.
Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia, and Belarus are the seven nations with which it shares land borders. The southern coasts on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov mean that it is not entirely landlocked. Ukrainian art, from music to literature to architecture, is deeply influenced by the faith.
With these interesting facts about Ukraine, let’s learn more about its history, culture, people, food, and more.
1.World's Largest Aircraft Has Been Destroyed in Ukraine
Heartbreaking images of damaged world's biggest plane Antonov An-225 emerge from Ukraine |
Last week, on the fourth day of Russia's attack on Ukraine, a massive plane that had been in service for more than 30 years was reportedly destroyed.
The An-225, with a maximum takeoff weight of 710 tons, is the heaviest airplane ever constructed. Its total airlifted payload of 559,580 pounds and its single-item airlifted payload of 418,830 pounds are both world records. Kiev, Ukraine, while still a part of the Soviet Union, was the site of construction for the Antonov An-225 Mriya. The largest wing span of any flying machine, period.
Images show that the downed plane was an Antonov An-225. From what can be seen in the photos, the plane has been badly damaged, with only scraps remaining. Photos of the wreckage place the last known location of the plane as Ukraine's Hostomel Airport. The flight log indicates that it landed on February 5, 2022.
2.Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe
Ukraine is the largest country in Europe |
Ukraine is the largest European country in terms of land area, surpassing even Russia, which straddles both Asia and Europe. A total of 603,55 square kilometers makes up Ukraine's landmass. Ukraine is the largest country in Europe in terms of land area, although it has a relatively small population. It has a smaller population than both Germany and France, with around 46 million.
Ukraine is a huge country with many opportunities. From the gorgeous scenery of the Carpathian highlands, with their forests, rivers, and valleys, to the beaches near Odesa and thriving cultural capitals like Kyiv and Lviv. Not only is it a huge country, but each region has its own own culture and history.
3. Ukraine has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ukraine has seven World Heritage Sites |
Seven locations in Ukraine are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Kyiv's Saint-Sophia Cathedral, Lviv's Chernivtsi University, the Carpathian Mountains, and the beech forests that surround them, are all must-sees. In our other post, we go into greater detail about these locations.
There are seven locations in Ukraine that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and they are all worth your time. Among these are the unique wooden churches of the Carpathians and the beech trees that surround them, as well as the Saint-Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the Old Town of Lviv. Here's a breakdown of all the fantastic protected areas in Ukraine that you simply must see on your next vacation.
4. Russian or Ukrainian both language works here
Ukraine recognizes only Ukrainian as its official language. In 1934, the Ukrainian language was ranked third most beautiful, after French and Persian, and second most harmonious, after Italian. In addition, you can find people who speak Russian or understand it in various parts of Ukraine.
It is clear that individuals all around Ukraine are fluent in both Russian and Ukrainian. But if you want to blend in with the community, Ukrainian, the official language, is the way to go. Unfortunately for you, English is not one of the more common languages here.
5.Ukraine has the deepest metro station in the world - Arsenalna
World’s deepest metro station in Ukraine |
Currently, the deepest metro station in the world is Arsenalna on the Sviatoshynsko - Brovarska Line in Kiev, Ukraine.
The Arsenalna station in Kyiv, located on the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska line, is the deepest metro station in the world at a depth of 105.5 meters. Arsenalna's depth of 105.5 m was necessitated so that it could divert water from the Dnieper River, which flows high above and all around the city of Kiev. The journey down the escalator to the 105.5 m underground station will take you a tedious five minutes.
Looking down into the pitch blackness of the subway from the top of the steep escalator can be rather unsettling. Nonetheless, they were built during the cold war era, when the threat of nuclear bombs necessitated such deep-lying stations to save Kyiv's residents. As a result, the effects of the 20th century's wars can be felt even in everyday situations like getting ready for work in the morning.
6.Chornobyl Nuclear Powerplant in Ukraine exploded in 1986
Chornobyl Nuclear Powerplant in Ukraine |
One of the twentieth century's largest disasters began in Ukraine. The 1986 explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear power facility decimated a once-thriving Ukrainian village. The explosion had far-reaching consequences, which were recently dramatized in HBO's series of the same name, albeit brutally honestly.
It takes about two hours to drive from Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Because to the nuclear power plant disaster in 1986, visitors are restricted to guided excursions rather than unrestricted access. They outline best practices for staying safe around hazardous materials.
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7.Ukraine is among most educated nation in the world
Ukraine stands 4th in the world in terms of most educated population. 99.4% of Ukrainians aged 15 and over can read and write. 70% of adult Ukrainians have a secondary or higher education. Even the current heavyweight champions from Ukraine Vitali and Wladimir have doctorate degrees.
Everywhere is yellow and blueUkrainian flag is comprised of yellow and blue. Sky blue represents the azure sky, while wheat field yellow represents the golden wheat. These are the two colors that come together to form the flag. If you are unfamiliar with the flag's colors, you will quickly pick them up when confronted with an abundance of yellow and blue. Yellow and blue are ubiquitous, appearing on everything from school walls and stair railings to garden fences, buses, and subways. |
8.Ukraine is least expensive travel city in Europe
Ukraine is the place in Europe where one can find the lowest costs. Buses and railways, along with all other types of public transportation, are quite reasonably priced. When compared to other European countries, even the cost of food here is little.
Facts about Ukrainian food and cuisinesChicken, pig, beef, eggs, fish, and mushrooms are all staples of the traditional Ukrainian cuisine. Potatoes, cereals, and both fresh and pickled veggies are common staples of a typical Ukrainian diet. Ukrainian food is fascinating and diverse because it draws from the traditions of the country's many ethnic and cultural groups. Nonetheless, varenyky (dumplings loaded with mushrooms, potatoes, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, or cherries and boiled) and holubtsi (a savory pancake) remain two of the most well-liked classic foods (stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice, carrots, and meat).
Borscht is arguably the most well-known Ukrainian food. Although many Russians have asserted that it came from Russia, many Ukrainians are adamant that they created this meal. Beet, cabbage, and potato all make up the base of this soup, but authentic borscht also includes meat—typically pork. Lviv beer, horilka (vodka) with pepper, medovukha (horilka with honey), Zakarpattya wine, and Lviv coffee are all well-known beverages in Ukraine. Delicious sweets, such as cheesecake (syrnyk), poppycake (makivnyk), honeycake (medivnyk), and many more, are commonplace in Ukrainian cuisine. Varenyky, a type of boiled dumpling filled with potato, sauerkraut, mushrooms, cottage cheese, or berries, are a staple of Ukrainian cuisine. Soups with meat, mushrooms, cabbage, and beets are another option, and one such soup is borscht. There are more cafes per person in Lviv than anywhere else in the world. There are as many as 1,500 businesses there. According to reports, the McDonald's in Kiev is one of the busiest in the entire globe. *Horilka, the Ukrainian version of the world-famous vodka, is extremely popular among locals. To give this national drink a little more kick, chili pepper is a common addition. Stewn fruit (Kompot) is a popular non-alcoholic sweet drink among locals. Fruits like gooseberries, rhubarb, strawberries, apples, and sour berries are cooked together to make this dish. During the colder months, when the beverage is typically consumed, spices are added to enhance the flavor. |
9.Home of Ghost Towns
Ukraine was the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, known as the Chernobyl Disaster. The area around the accident site and the rest of northern Ukraine became part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone after the Soviet Union's swift response to the 1986 disaster.
Pripyat, one of several ghost towns within the zones, is a major tourist attraction. Visitors can take tours of the area, which may include a stop at the power plant, but do so at their own risk.
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10.Famous 'Tunnel Of Love' in Ukraine
Tunnel Of Love in Ukraine |
Located in Klaven, North-Western Ukraine, the Tunnel of Love is often regarded as the most romantic location on the planet. The green arches created by the trees on either side of the single-track railway line add a magical touch to this natural train tunnel. Many couples visit because of the charming atmosphere. Legend has it that any couple who visits this location would have their wishes come true.
11.Ukraine invented the gas lamp
Ukraine Invented the gas lamp |
Two pharmacists named Jan Zeh and Ignacy ukasiewicz from Lviv, Poland, devised the gas light in 1853. Gasova L'ampa is a cafe in the same building that was named for the local pharmacist who invented it at At the Golden Star.
12.World’s largest Sunflower seed producer in Ukraine
Sunflower seeds are mostly cultivated in Ukraine and Russia. Sunflower seeds are farmed extensively in South Dakota and North Dakota, and the United States ranks as the world's tenth largest producer of sunflower seeds. It has been calculated that all of Ukraine's sunflower fields would be able to fit inside of Slovenia.
13.The 'Breadbasket Of Europe'
The vast tracts of arable land in Ukraine with fertile black soil made it an ideal place for growing wheat and other food crops. As such, it was nicknamed the "Breadbasket of Europe”. Today, Ukraine continues to be one of the largest producers of wheat in the world.
14.National costume of Ukraine: Vyshyvanka
National Costume of Ukraine is Vyshyvanka |
The Ukrainian national dress is known as a "vishyvanka." Ukrainian embroidery sets this apart from similar products on the market. Vishyvanka is a simple white linen blouse embellished with embroidered flowers or other designs. The outfit is unique in that both sexes can wear it.
15.The highest mountain in Ukraine: Mount Hoverla
Mount Hoverla, which stands at a height of 2061 meters, is the tallest mountain in all of Ukraine. The Carpathian mountains contain Mount Hoverla as one of their peaks. Mount Hoverla has been a popular destination for tourists ever since the latter half of the 19th century. The mountain has gained a reputation throughout the years as a destination for extreme sports.
Transport in UkraineUkraine's public transportation network is among the best in the world. Every major city and regional hub has access to the rail system, and passenger trains travel between them every day. For as little as 8UAH (0.3$), you can ride the tram or bus in several cities. Taxis to and from the airports in Ukraine cost roughly 7UAH per kilometer, or you can take public transportation or a shuttle bus. At the station, you can take an express train to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport. |
Interesting Facts About Ukraine's Geography
Ukrainian city of Dnieper |
1.With only 73 people per square kilometer, it has one of the lowest population densities.
2. With almost 3 million inhabitants, Kyiv, the nation's capital, is also the biggest city. Both sides of the Dnipro River in North Central Ukraine contain it. Kharkiv, Odessa, Dnipro, and Donetsk are some additional significant cities.
3. Ukraine has two different biomes. With a temperate climate and broadleaf trees, the northern and western regions are covered in mixed forests. The southern and eastern regions, in contrast, are steppes with open grasslands and few trees.
4. The peak of Mount Hoverla is the highest point. It rises to a height of 2,061 meters (6,762 feet) above sea level. Since the late 19th century, this region of the Carpathian Mountains has been a popular tourist destination.
5.The Danube, Dnipro, Desna, Prypiat, Southern Buh, and Siverian Donets are the seven principal rivers in Ukraine. The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov each have drainage basins that include about 95% of the nation's rivers.
6. In the country's north and west, rain is much more common. A little more than 1,200 mm of precipitation falls annually on the Carpathian Mountains. Crimea, to the south, only receives 400 mm annually.
7.In July, Kyiv's temperature ranges from 61 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and in January, it drops to 21 to 30 degrees. The southeasterly city of Dnipro experiences higher temperatures, ranging from 21 to 32 degrees in January and 65 to 83 degrees in July.
8. In addition to Ukraine, countries bordering the Black Sea include Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, and Romania. It empties into the Bosporus and Dardanelles of the Turkish Straits. Ancient shipwrecks can be preserved because of a thick layer of water that doesn't mix or drain.
9. It is widely believed that the name of the nation is derived from an old Slavic word for borderland. Prior to its declaration of independence in 1991, it was referred to as "The Ukraine." The politically correct "Ukraine" was substituted for the original, unpopular article.
Little-Known Facts About Ukraine’s History
1. Ukrainian Hetman Pylyp Orlyk drafted and presented the world's first constitution in 1710. The separation of powers was to be implemented as a result of the document. It described the obligations and privileges of both citizens and the government.
2. Civilizations in Ukraine date back to 4800 B.C. The nation is situated in a region that was home to thriving Trypillian and Scythian civilizations.
3. During World War II, Ukrainian religious leaders offered protection to thousands of Jews. The Anti-Defamation League recognized Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, one of the leaders, for his humanitarian work in 2013. In monasteries and Ukrainian homes, Jews sought safety.
4. Several archaeological sites in Ukraine were Neanderthal settlements in the past. The towns are thought to have been where horses were first domesticated and include a mammoth bone dwelling. The Molodova sites were established between 43,000 and 45,000 BC.
5. In the 19th century, Russia and Austria showed very little interest in Ukraine. The majority of the nation was rural. As Ukrainian modernization and urbanization grew, the situation changed.
6.After the Russo-Turkish War in the late 1700s, Catherine the Great and some of her successors promoted boosting German immigration into Ukraine. The main goal was to balance the nation's demographic, which was dominated by the Turk population.
7.At the Yalta Conference, which Ukraine hosted in 1945, Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt all gathered. The purpose of the gathering was to map out the future of post-war European organization. Livadia Palace, the location, is now a museum.
8. Kiev has the distinction of being a Hero City, bestowed by the Soviet Union in recognition of its valiant resistance to the Nazis in 1941. What became known as the Battle of Kiev saw the Germans encircle the city.
9. The nation and Western Europe have longstanding historical ties. When Anna, the Grand Prince Yaroslav's daughter, was made the Queen Consort of France in 1051, she contributed to the development of relationships. She was very important in introducing Eastern culture to the French.
10. In the Crimean Mountains, fossils from 32,000-year-old modern humans were found in 1991. There were ivory ornaments next to the bones, pointing to connections to the widely dispersed Gravettian culture in Europe.
11. University of Cambridge researchers looked for the beginning of the domestication of horses. Using a genetic database of horses and various modeling techniques, they were able to trace everything back to the western Eurasian Steppe, which is made up of Ukraine, West Kazakhstan, and Southwest Russia.
12. The country of the present From 700 BC to 200 BC, Ukraine was a part of the Scythian Kingdom. Greeks gave Scythia the name, but the inhabitants called themselves "Scoloti." They used to be a nomadic people with a horseback riding-centric culture.
13.Kievan In the tenth and eleventh centuries, Russia rose to become the most powerful nation in Europe, with Kyiv as its capital. Vladimir the Great's conversion from paganism to Christianity marked the start of the Golden Age. The kingdom adopted his strategy.
14. Invading Mongols destroyed Kiev in the 13th century. They moved westward toward the Atlantic Ocean while occupying a large portion of Eastern Europe. They left the rest of the continent alone and returned to their homeland after the death of Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan's son.
15. After World War I, the Russian Empire fell, and the Bolshevik-led Russian Republic took its place. In 1922, Ukraine joined the list of nations that made up the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Little-Known Facts About Sports of Ukraine
1. Football is the most popular sport in Ukraine, and Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk are extremely well-liked teams. The nation's best World Cup performance came in 2006, when they advanced to the quarterfinals.
2. Andriy Shevchenko, who has played for clubs like Chelsea and AC Milan, is one of the most well-known names in Ukrainian football. Shevchenko, a deadly striker, scored 67 goals in competitions held in Europe over the course of his illustrious career.
3. From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, Vitali and Wladimir Klitchsko dominated boxing's heavyweight division. A promise they made to their mother prevented them from ever fighting in a professional match.
4. In the fields of rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, Ukraine has achieved great success. In the 1990s, several of their athletes, including Tatyana Gutsu, Oleksandra Tymoshenko, Lilia Podkopayeva, and Ekaterina Serebrianskaya, won Olympic gold medals.
5. Yana Klochkova, who has won four Olympic gold medals, is the best swimmer in Ukraine. She was known as the "Goldfish" and won the 200- and 400-meter individual medleys in Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004. Additionally, she is the 400m freestyle world champion.
6. In the featherweight division of boxing, Vasiliy Lomachenko brought home the gold for Ukraine in 2008. Four years later, in the lightweight division, he repeated the feat. He is a professional boxer now, and his exceptional footwork and speed have helped him win titles in three weight classes.
7. Oksana Baiul won the sole gold medal in figure skating for Ukraine at the Winter Olympics in 1994. She is the first Olympic champion for the nation since it gained independence. To maximize opportunities, she started a US tour at age 16 after turning professional.
8. Vladislav Terzyul is one of the best high-altitude climbers in the world. His ascent of all 8000-meter peaks, including Everest and K2, is his most notable accomplishment. The first Ukrainian to do so is he. In 2004, Terzyul died while descending Makalu.
9. Chess is a well-liked sport in Ukraine, where there are about 85 grandmasters. In 1998, Ruslan Ponomariov, then 14 years old, became the youngest male grandmaster in history. At the age of 18, he won the world championship.
Little-Known Facts About Ukraine Economy
1. In terms of sunflower oil production, Ukraine is the global leader. As one of the top producers of corn, wheat, potatoes, sugar beet, barley, tomatoes, apples, pumpkins, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, rye, walnuts, buckwheat, dry peas, and honey, it is also a major producer of these other crops.
2. After the US, India, and Russia, Ukraine has one of the highest numbers of IT-certified professionals. Due to this, it is a popular outsourcing location for businesses worldwide. It surpassed all other exporters of IT services in Europe in 2019.
3. The nation has significant mineral reserves, and currently, half of the known deposits are being used. Ukraine is among the Top 10 producers of iron ore, manganese, titanium, graphite, and uranium, according to 2019 USGS statistics.
4. The State Space Agency of Ukraine oversees the nation's space rocket industry. The Zenit-3SL carrier rocket and the Antares rocket's first stage core were both created by the Yuzhnoye Design Office.
5. Over 10 million tourists visit Ukraine annually, the majority of whom are from nearby nations, making it a well-liked tourist destination in Eastern Europe. Adventure-friendly terrain can be found in the Carpathian Mountains, and long, sandy beaches can be found along the Black Sea coast. There are also historic castles, vineyards, stunning churches, and other attractions there.
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