For good and bad reasons, Ukraine has been attracting the world’s attention for many years.
Ukraine is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes.
From its UNESCO World Heritage Sites to its traditional dishes, Ukraine is so much more than a country at war.
Here we will explore 37 interesting facts about Ukraine, highlighting its unique customs, significant accomplishments, and fascinating places.
Ukraine is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Women wear their wedding rings on the right hand instead of the left, a tradition among Ukrainians.
Pysanky eggs, or Ukrainian Easter eggs, symbolize hope and solidarity in the country. The tradition even dates back to the pre-Christian era.
As of January 2023, Ukrainians hold the 36th most powerful passport in the world regarding travel freedom. They can travel to over 144 countries without a visa!
Dnipro, also known as “Rocket City,” is known for its being home to two of the country’s leading space manufacturers.
The official national dish of Ukraine is borscht, a red soup made using beetroot and beef.
Another popular Ukrainian dish is varenyky which are boiled dumplings.
Ukraine is the world’s largest producer of sunflower seeds and sunflower oil.
Ukraine is often referred to as the bread basket of Europe due to its fertile land.
The Vyshyvanka is the Ukrainian national costume.
Weaving using handmade looms is still very common across Ukraine.
Originating from Ukraine, the Trembita was listed as the world’s longest musical instrument.
Arsenalna metro station in Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, is 346 ft (106 m) underground, making it the world’s deepest metro station.
Christian Orthodox is the most common religion in Ukraine.
Ukraine shares borders with seven countries; Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.
There are around 20 languages spoken in Ukraine, but Ukrainian is the official language. And the Ukrainian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which has 33 letters.
Ukraine is the largest country solely in Europe, with a total area of 233,090 square miles (603,700 square kilometers).
Ukraine is sometimes listed as the second largest country in Europe behind Russia, but as Russia is a transcontinental country, it is occasionally categorized differently.
The city of Lviv has over 2,500 architectural and historical monuments.
The kerosene lamp was invented in the city of Lviv, Ukraine.
The Odessa Opera House was listed in Forbes as one of Europe’s most unusual sights.
In 1902, the first funicular opened in Ukraine in Odesa, connecting the port to the city’s upper part.
The word “Ukraine” comes from the old Slavic word meaning “borderland.”
The Ukrainian flag has blue to represent clear blue skies and yellow for wheat and the prosperous land.
Ukraine controls the Black Sea Island called Zymiinyi Island, which is home to the endangered Golden Lancehead Pit Viper.
The official currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvnia. During the times of Kyiv Rus, a decoration worn at the back of the neck was known as “hryvnia,” which is where the currency’s name originates.
The deadliest nuclear accident happened in Chornobyl, Ukraine, in 1986. Experts believe it would take at least 3,000 years before the area becomes safe.
The highest point in Ukraine is Mount Hoverla standing at 6,762 ft (2,061 m) tall and located in the Carpathian Mountains.
The largest freshwater lake in Ukraine is Lake Yalpuh, found near Odesa.
Seven major rivers in Ukraine lead into the Black Sea.
The Dnieper river is Ukraine’s largest and the fourth-largest river in Europe.
Ukraine is home to the famous Tunnel of Love, a picturesque railway that’s surrounded by majestic trees.
Ukraine has diverse wildlife, with about 350 species of bird, over 200 species of fish, and over 100 mammal species.
The official national animal of Ukraine is the common nightingale.
In 1853, two pharmacists named Jan Zech and Ignacy Lukasiewicz invented the kerosene lamp in Lviv. The city even has a pub-museum that houses an extensive collection of these lamps.
Ukraine separated from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991. Since then, August 24th has become Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, and was described by President Putin as a “special military operation.” The invasion was the largest conventional military attack seen in Europe since World War II.
Ukraine is a prosperous country with a diverse landscape located in Eastern Europe.
The landscape has allowed Ukraine to become one of the world leaders in agriculture, especially in sunflower products.
Although Ukraine has experienced a turbulent history, the strength and determination of its nation keep the soul of Ukraine alive.
I guess you could say that Ukraine’s unique charm can be seen in its traditions, food, and culture.
