• Population: 47,4 mill - Ukrainians 78%, Russians 17%, Others 5%.
• Territory: 603.700 square km. Borders: Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. 
• Local Time: GMT + 2 hours. 
• Languages: Ukranian, Russian, International languages English and German. 
• Education Level: High.

Ukraine and the EU:

• Official Policy of the Government is integration to the European community.
• Ukraine is heading steadily for membership in EU.
• Share of export to EU-countries is 42%, to Russia - 16%.
• From May 2005 EU citizens do not need visas to Ukraine.
• There are no extra tariffs for foreigners visiting the country.
• Ukraine has a "most favoured nation" status in the EU concerning trade.
• UN member since 1947, European Council member.

Ukrainian history takes a new turn in 1990's

• Ukraine was the center of the first Slavic state, Kyiv Rus, which during the 10th and 11th centuries was the largest and most powerful state in Europe. 
• Weakened by internecine quarrels and Mongol invasions, Kyiv Rus was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and eventually into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The cultural and religious legacy of Kyiv Rus laid the foundation for Ukrainian nationalism through subsequent centuries. 
• A new Ukrainian state, the Cossack Hetmanate, was established during the mid-17th century after an uprising against the Poles. Despite continuous Moscovite pressure, the Hetmanate managed to remain autonomous for well over 100 years. 
• During the latter part of the 18th century, most Ukrainian ethnographic territory was absorbed by the Moscow Empire (later re-named into Russia). 
• Following the collapse of czarist Russia in 1917, Ukraine was able to bring about a short-lived period of independence (1917-20), but was reconquered and forced to endure a brutal Soviet rule. 
• Ukraine became independent in 1991, 90 percent of the Ukrainians voted for independence on the national referendum in 1991. 
• Ukraine is a parliamentary-presidential republic.