Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe that is bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south. The country is about the size of Texas. Despite its significant size, Ukraine is often overshadowed by its neighbors, Russia and Poland. However, Ukraine is a country with a rich history and culture that is worth exploring. Here are 14 interesting but less known facts about Ukraine.

Some Interesting Facts about Ukraine

1. Largest Country in Europe

Well, it is not the largest if you consider Russia, which lies both in Asia and Europe. Other than that, Ukraine is the largest, with 603,548 km². Although Ukraine is the largest country in Europe by area, it has a population of only about 43.13 million (2020) World Bank, which is smaller than Germany and France.

2. You can Speak both Russian and Ukrainian Language

Ukrainians are proficient in both Russian and Ukrainian, but if you want to be truly local, speaking Ukrainian (the official language) is necessary. Unfortunately, English is not widely spoken here. However, Russian is the second most spoken language in the country, and 29.6% of Ukraine's population speak Russian as their native language. The Ukrainian language is a Slavic language that has many similarities with the Russian Language. Many Ukrainians also speak other languages, including Polish, Romanian and Hungarian.

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3. Home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Ukraine boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Related Monastic Buildings in Kyiv and Saint-Sophia Cathedral, the ancient city of Chersonesus, and the primeval beech forests of the Carpathians. These internationally significant destinations are a testament to the country's rich history and natural beauty.

4. Deepest Metro Station in The World

Arsenalna metro station on Kyiv city's Sviatoshynsko - Brovarska Line is currently the deepest in the world at 105 meters below ground level. Escalators descend deep below the surface in order to provide access to the train. Arsenalna station was built 105 meters below ground in order to avoid complications posed by the Dnieper River, which rises above Kyiv and surrounds the city. You will travel on an escalator for five minutes to reach a station that is 105.5 meters deep.

5. Unique National Costume

The traditional National Costume of Ukraine is called Vyshyvanka. It is characterized by its embroidery work, which typically features Ukrainian embroidery. Vyshyvanka is a traditional shirt made of linen and decorated with floral or ornamental hand-sewn embroidery. It is a popular costume worn by both men and women.

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6. Home of many Ghost Towns

The Chernobyl Disaster, the deadliest nuclear disaster of all time, occurred in Ukraine on April 26, 1986. The plant suffered a catastrophic meltdown, resulting in the release of radioactive materials into the environment. The Chernobyl disaster occurred in northern Ukraine and is part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which was established by the USSR soon after the accident in 1986. In the exclusion zones around Chernobyl are a number of abandoned towns, most notably Pripyat, which draw interest from all over the world. Tours of the area, including the power plant, are available, though they pose a risk to the traveler.

7. Most Ukrainians Have Never Traveled Abroad

According to Research and Branding, 70% of Ukrainians have never been abroad. It is because most Ukrainians are not stable financially.

8. Third Most Visited Mcdonald's Restaurants in The World is Located in Kyiv

McDonald's on Vokzalna Square in Kyiv is claimed as the third most visited McDonald's restaurant in the world. Located next to the train station makes it convenient for all. McDonald's is the busiest place in Kyiv for good fast-food restaurants.

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9. One of the Most Educated Nations in the World

Ukraine used to be ranked 4th in the world in terms of the highest-educated population, but now the ranking has fallen off. However, 99% of all Ukrainians aged 15 and over are literate. 70% of adults in this country have achieved secondary or higher education.

10. World's Largest Sunflower Seed Producer

Ukraine ranks first among leading sunflower-seed producers, followed closely by Russia. According to an estimation, Ukraine's sunflower farmlands are so large that they can cover the total Slovenia territory.

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11. Famous 'Tunnel of Love' is located here

The Tunnel of Love is a stretch of the disused railway line on the Klaven in the state of North-Western Ukraine, noted for being one of the most romantic places in the world. It's surrounded by green arches formed by trees on both sides of the single-track railway line in this attractive natural train tunnel. Couples come here specifically because of the peaceful environment.

12. Least Expensive Travel City in Europe

Throughout entire Europe, Ukraine is the cheapest place to purchase products whose cost is the least. All the transportation modes, including buses, trains, and bicycles, are very cheap. Moreover, the food is also very good for the price.

13. The 'Breadbasket Of Europe'

The land in Ukraine with the black soil of optimal fertility provided an excellent environment for generating hearty wheat and other food crops, leading to the country being known as the "Breadbasket of Europe." Adding to these, Ukraine ranked top amongst the pioneer wheat producer countries in the world.

14. Ukraine Has a National Soup

The national dish of Ukraine is beet soup, commonly known as borscht. It is one of Ukraine's greatest regional dishes. It's traditionally made with beef, cabbage, as well as other root vegetables and is known for its unique red color.

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Final Words

In conclusion, Ukraine is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. While most people are familiar with the more well-known facts about Ukraine, there are many interesting but lesser-known facts that deserve to be explored. We hope that this article has provided you with some new information about this amazing country and has inspired you to learn more about it.