Ukraine
Occupying an area of 603,7000 sq. km, Ukraine is among the largest European countries. Territorially it is larger than France (544,000 sq. km), Spain (505,000 sq. km), Sweden (450,000 sq. km) and Poland (312,700 sq. km).
In terms of population (49.7 million as of January 1, 2000), Ukraine holds the fifth place in Europe after Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and France. The population density per one square kilometer amounts to an average of 85.6 people, the European average being 67.
In its ethnic composition, Ukraine is a multi-ethnic Republic inhabited by more than 110 ethnic groups, of which Ukrainians (72.7%) are the largest, followed by Russians, Jews, Belarussians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Poles and Hungarians.
As of January 1, 2000, Ukraine numbered 448 cities inhabited by more than 68% of the country's population. Over 75% of basic production assets and about 95% of scientific research institutions are concentrated in these metropolitan areas.
Ukraine consists of Avtonomous Republick of Crimea and 24 regions (oblasts).
The capital of Ukraine is the city of Kyiv (population - 2,6 million inh.).
Official language: Ukrainian.
Form of Government: Republick.
The Constitution of Ukraine was adopted on June 28, 1996.
Head of the State: the President of Ukraine (elected for the term of 5 years).
Legislative Body (Parliament): Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Supreme Executive Body: the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Supreme Court Body: Supreme Court of Ukraine.
Currency: Hryvnya.