Ukraine is a country of many historic treasures and customs, beautifully varied landscapes, and social and economic change.
Ukraine is the birthplace of the first great Slavic state - Kyivian Rus, and during the 10th and 11th centuries Kyivian Rus was among the most influential nation-states in Europe.
For much of its existence, Ukraine has been divided because different regions of the country have been ruled by foreign powers including Poland, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Lithuania. Despite heavy Russian influence in the east and often oppressive Soviet occupation, Ukraine has remained faithful to its own traditions. This land bears the mark of ancient mystery and the memory of its people still preserves old customs of remote ages.
With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine regained its independence. Now you can explore the cultural richness of the Ukrainian steppes, which helped the country become known as the Breadbasket of Europe, the rugged landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, or health resorts on the Black Sea.