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.