Kiev is the bustling capital of independent Ukraine, its administrative, economic, scientific, cultural and educational center. This scenic city with a population of over 3 million people is located on the shores of the Dnepr River.

Kiev is a city of invaluable historical and cultural monuments, a city of great events and outstanding people. The art and architecture of Kiev are considered world treasures. Many famous artists, poets and writers loved the unique beauty of this city. The most renowned landmarks include: the Cathedral of St. Sophia with outstanding mosaics and frescoes dating back to the 11th century; Kievo-Percherskaya Lavra featuring several monasteries and cathedrals; the Golden Gate of Kiev, which dates back to 1037; the Ukrainian Baroque Church of St. Andrew; the magnificent 19th-century Cathedral of St. Vladimir; and many other attractions. Kiev is often referred to as "the mother of all cities" by Russians and Ukrainians. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe. In the historical center of Kiev you can feel the spirit of the past everywhere.

Kiev is distinguished for its rich cultural life. Theater lovers will find many theatres offering various theatrical programs. Most performances are held in Ukrainian or Russian. The recently renovated Kiev Opera House presents very good opera as well as a broad repertoire of ballets. Ivan Franko Theater is a center of Ukrainian drama, comedy, and musicals. A lot of various exhibitions are carried out in the city's numerous museums and art galleries.

Kiev is also a scientific and educational center of independent Ukraine. Various universities and science academies including the famous Kiev-Mogilyanskaya Academy, which is one of the first scientific establishments in Eastern Europe, are located there.

Being the largest city of Ukraine, Kiev is a leading industrial and commercial center of the country. Kiev's major industries include: food processing (especially processing of beet sugar), metallurgy, manufacture of machinery, machine tools, rolling stock, chemicals, building materials, and textiles. The development of the Ukrainian economy gave a major impulse to business activity of the city. There are numerous new office centers, banks, trade exhibition centers and other commercial enterprises appearing in the city nowadays.

Take a walk through the ancient streets of this scenic city, feel its unique beauty and the spirit of its past. For sure your stay in Kiev will become one of your most memorable experiences. Hospitable Ukrainians will be delighted to introduce Slavic culture to their foreign guests, as Kiev is often called the mother of Slavic cities.

Hryvnia, introduced on the 2nd of September, 1996, is the only legal currency in Ukraine today. One hryvnia (UAH) equals one hundred kopiykas.

the climate in Ukraine is temperate continental. It is mainly characterized by significant 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 -8° to +1° C, in summer +18° to +27°.

One of the most ancient of Slavonic cities, Kiev, for centuries, has remained Russia's major historic and cultural center. Nowadays the cultural life of the Ukrainian capital is extremely rich and diverse and represents a wide range of experimental and traditional styles. For those interested in art, Kiev has a lot to offer. The art collections and architecture of Kiev are recognized world treasures.

The extensive repertoire of Kiev theatres, stretching from the classics to the most innovative performances, caters for all tastes. Opera and ballet lovers are welcome to the renowned National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after T.G. Shevchenko, which is the oldest musical theatre in Ukraine. Those who prefer comedies will surely appreciate plays performed at the Bravo Drama Theatre. Those bored with traditions and classics are invited to the experimental Cherny Kvadrat Theatre.

Please find on the following website the list of the most popular Kiev theatres: http://kiev.info/culture/theatres.htm

Kiev, this indisputable cultural center of Ukraine, boasts numerous museums and art galleries of an exceptional cultural and historical value. Treasuries of national art, more than 60 meseums represent thoroughly and comprehensively the rich culture of Ukraine from the old days to the recent past and present.

Please find some information about the museums on the following website: http://kiev.info/culture/museums.htm

The municipality of the city of Kiev has a special legal status within Ukraine compared to the other administrative subdivisions of the country. The most significant difference is that the city is subordinated directly to the national-level branches of the Government of Ukraine, skipping the regional level authorities of Kiev Oblast. Additionally, the Head of City Administration - the leading executive position is held by a directly elected, rather than appointed, figure, who is also the Head of City Council - the Mayor of Kiev, and municipal institutions have a higher level of self governance than elsewhere in Ukraine.