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The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. It is also the largest capital of Ukraine based in the north-central part of the nation. Ukraine existed as an independent state for a short time in 1918 but then spent most of the 20th century under the control of various empires with the Soviet Union being one of them. After the USSR’s collapse in 1991, Ukraine declared sovereignty, and then independence, which was confirmed by a public vote. With the USSR officially dissolved, Ukraine became a fully independent country. Well! In this article, we will discuss everything about the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Table of Contents
Overview of Kyiv
Kyiv is also known as Kiev. There is more to the capital of Ukraine than just the palaces, cathedrals, and other such infrastructure. So scroll up to know more about it.
| Feature | Description |
| Title | Kyiv |
| Status | Chief city and capital of Ukraine |
| Location | Port city on the Dnieper River and a large railroad junction |
| Historical Significance | Center of Kyivan Rus, the first eastern Slavic state, 1,000 years ago |
| Past Events | Severely damaged during World War II |
| Rebuilt | By the mid-1950s |
| Significance of Ukrainian Independence | Renewed Kyiv’s status as a major European capital |
| Population (2001) | 2,611,327 |
| Population (estimated 2021) | 2,962,180 |
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History of Kyiv
The capital of Ukraine has a long and complex history. The date of the Kyiv is long debated with some common estimates ranging from the 6th to the 9th century. Kyiv was a major center of trade between the Vikings and Greeks, and it became the capital of the first East Slavic state, Kyivan Rus, in the 9th century.
The city faced many challenges throughout its history. It was sacked and burned multiple times, including by the Mongols in 1240. Kyiv was under the control of various empires, including the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, Kyiv became an important industrial center.
In the 20th century, Kyiv was caught in the middle of several conflicts, including World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II. The city suffered significant damage during World War II and the Nazi occupation.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyiv became the capital of independent Ukraine. In recent years, the city has played a central role in the Ukrainian political landscape, serving as the location of the Orange Revolution and Euromaidan protests. Kyiv was a target of Russian forces during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but Ukrainian forces repelled the attack.
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Geography of Kyiv
The location of Kyiv in precise terms is Eastern Europe, bordering Russia in the East, Belarus in the north, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary in the west, and Romania and Moldova in the South. The coastline of the capital of Ukraine- Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Scroll up to learn about the size of Kyiv and other important facts regarding the same.
Size:
- 2nd largest in Europe (after Russia)
- 46th largest globally
- Over 600,000 sq km
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Demography of Kyiv
When we look at the population of Kyiv, females usually dominate the numbers. 53% of the city’s total population is females, while the rest 46% of the population is males.
| Feature | Description |
| Population | Over 40 million |
| Ethnicity | 78% Ukrainian |
| Language | Ukrainian (official) |
| Currency | Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) |
| Religion | Majority Christian (67%) – mostly Orthodox |
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Economy and Culture of Kyiv
Let’s start with the economy of the capital of Ukraine.
Kyiv being the capital of Ukraine has a major administrative sector with a significant number of people employed in ministerial offices. It’s also an important industrial centre with a wide range of manufactures. The city has engineering industries that produce complex machinery, precision tools, and instruments. Other important sectors include the chemical industry, which manufactures resin products, fertilizers, and chemical fibres. Consumer goods like cameras, clothes, and food are also produced here. Kyiv is a large publishing centre, and power for its enterprises comes from natural gas and hydroelectric stations.
Now let’s have a look at the culture of the capital of Ukraine.
Kyiv has a vibrant cultural scene. The city has several theatres, including the Taras Shevchenko National Opera of Ukraine, and numerous museums like the National Historical Museum and the National Art Museum of Ukraine.
There are also good facilities for sports and recreation, with stadiums and a beach area for water sports.
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Facts About Kyiv
We will conclude with everything about the capital of Ukraine and the most interesting facts about Kyiv.
- Kyiv holds the distinction of being the first capital of Kievan Rus’, the earliest East Slavic state, established in the late 9th century and lasting until 1240.
- In 988, Prince Vladimir ushered in Christianity to Kievan Rus, making Kyiv the wellspring of both Russian Christianity and Orthodox culture.
- Affectionately called the “mother of Russian cities” by Russians, Kyiv held immense significance.
- At its peak under the reign of Yaroslav the Wise (1010-1054 AD), Kyiv flourished as Europe’s largest city, winning over London (50 times bigger) and Paris (10 times bigger). Yaroslav’s royal connections to France, Norway, Hungary, and Poland further strengthened the city’s prestige.
- Records show Kyiv adopted the Magdeburg Law by the end of the 15th century. (This legal code granted certain rights and autonomy to cities.)
FAQs
Over 85% of Ukrainians are Christian, with Eastern Orthodoxy being the dominant denomination at 72%, followed by Catholicism (9%) and Protestantism (4%).
As mentioned in the Declaration of Independence and its constitution, Ukraine has no other official alternative name for it.
No! Ukraine only has one capital and that is Kyiv, which is also the largest city in the nation.
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