General Information Kiev, a scenic city of close to 3 million people situated on the Dnipro River, is the bustling capital of Ukraine. Ancient Kievan Rus, which reached its greatest period of ascendancy during the 11th and 12th centuries, was a center of trade routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The city of Kiev and the power of Kievan Rus were destroyed in 1240 by Mongol invaders and the lands of Kievan Rus were divided into principalities located to the west and north: Galicia, Volynia, Muscovy and later, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Once a powerful force on the European scene, Ukraine's fate in modern times has been decided in far-off capitals. As a result, modern Ukrainian history, for the most part, has been defined by foreign occupation. But after gaining the independence by Ukraine in 1991 it significantly restored it's political and economic weight.

Quick Facts about Kiev Kiev has much to offer to its visitors. It ranges among the largest European cities, but it is not as familiar to the foreign guests as London, Paris, Moscow and other world tourist centers. It has interesting history, developed industry, high-level education and advanced science. Those who visit Kiev once, fall in love with this charming city and return over and over again to discover its attractions. Start your acquaintance with Kiev right now. Kiev is a really beautiful city with its marvellous hills and unique sight seeings. Having bunch of trees and flowers it is always associated with chestnuts. Kiev architectural landscape is unique. Due to the huge number of orthodox churches it is called sometimes the Gold-Domed city.

History of Kiev Kiev boasts a long and glorious history full of heroic deeds. It is called "the mother of Slavic cities" by right. The golden age of Kiev falls on the 11th-12th centuries, when Kiev Rus was a powerful state, the center of trading routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. For long centuries Kiev was badly damaged and looted, but Kiev has survived and still amazes the contemporaries with its sublimity and beauty.

Ukrainian Holidays The holidays the Ukrainians celebrate could be divided into two main groups - public holidays and religious ones. The most popular and favorite holiday is New Year, which is even more important than Christmas in Ukraine. Among the other public holidays are the Independence Day, the Victory Day, the International Women's Day and some others. Orthodox religious holidays have their own peculiarities and differ from the Catholic ones. Learn more about Ukrainian holidays and traditions here.

Food and Beverages You won't die from starvation in Kiev - that is for sure. Today Kiev boasts hundreds of restaurants serving various cuisines and offering their customers comfort and style. Whether you are seeking for traditional Ukrainian restaurants or restaurants serving classical French and Italian cuisines, you will find the most suitable establishments. Restaurants, bars and cafes are available throughout the city, particularly in the center of Kiev and near the places of tourists' interest.

Entertainment Once you are in Kiev, you will feel a special atmosphere of this old Slavic city. It is well known that hospitable venues of Kiev will charm you with their unique spirit. You are welcome to choose from a wide variety of nightclubs, casinos and cinemas, where you can try your luck, meet beautiful people, get new acquaintances, dance all night long, watch a good movie and just have a great time of your life.

Climate The climate in Ukraine is temperate continental. It is mainly characterized by plentiful precipitation and cloudiness in winter and fall. Winters are usually long and cold. Summers are short but can be pretty hot. The average temperature in winter is 17-35 degrees F (-8 to +1 C), in summer - 65-80 degrees F (+18 to +27 C). In winter heavyweight clothing is recommended; lightweight clothing is good for summer.

Electricity The electrical current in Ukraine is 220V AC. The plug-and-socket connection is different from one used in the United States. If you take appliances from your home, do not forget to take a converter and a plug adapter in order you could use your electrical appliance in Ukraine. For valuable equipment, it is recommended that you bring a surge protector to keep your electrical appliance safe. Note that devices not rated for 50 Hz will hardly operate properly.

Ukrainian women Ukrainian women are earthy, very real, and sincere with traditional values. These ladies are very loyal and devote themselves to their man. Ukrainian ladies are very affectionate. If Ukrainian lady likes you, she will show you her warmth. You will immediately know she likes you. It is customary for your date to reach for your hand, or hold you by the arm when walking about. It is considered gentlemanly to open doors for a lady, to seat a lady first, and to extend your arm so the lady can use your arm for support. Ukrainian ladies love flowers, especially roses. Never buy a dozen flowers; instead, buy the odd number of it. Even numbers of flowers are only given on sad occasions such as funerals. Ukrainian ladies are interested in your personal qualities. Your sincerity and honesty are more important then your checkbook. Ukrainian ladies are looking for men who are trusting, sensitive, understanding, compassionate and dependable. They want their man to be happy and they consider it their role to keep their man happy. Treat Ukrainian lady with respect, honesty and love, and they will return that love to you many times over. Ukrainian ladies discover foreign men as leaders of the family, energetic, and able to protect and provide for them and their children. Ukrainian women want to be mothers and wives first and providers only if necessary. Ukrainian women are not afraid of work, and they can work as flexibly as men.