Capital: Kiev (Kyiv) is the largest city. Population: 46.2 million, Area of 603 700 km2, Currency: hryvnia.

Location: Central-Eastern Europe, part of the East-European plain, between 44''20' and 52''20' N and 22''5' and 41''15'E with an.

Official language: Ukrainian, Russian, Time zone: GMT+2 (UTC+2), Summer (DST) - EEST (UTC+3) (the watches are set one hour forward in the last week of March and one hour backward in the last week of October).

Climate: moderately continental, except for Southern Crimea, where the climate is subtropical, of the Mediterranean type. The Carpathian climate is also mild, with warm winter and rainy summer. Average winter temperature is from -8° to -12° C (from +17.6° F to +3° F). Average summer temperature is from +18° to +25°C.

Religion: Ukrainian Orthodox Christianity remains the main religion of Ukraine today, with some 70% of Ukrainians still claiming to belong to this faith. However, there are a number of other religions in Ukraine.

Ukraine is situated in the south-eastern part of Central Europe and has its own territory, government, national emblem, flag and anthem. It borders on Russia, Byelorussia, Moldova, Slovakia, Roumania, Hungary and Poland on land and Russia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Roumania and Turkey on sea.

The territory of Ukraine is mostly a level, treeless plain, calls "steppe". There are the Crimean Mountains in the Crimean peninsula and the Carpathians in the west, but they are not very high. Mixed forests of pine and fir-trees, beeches, limes, oaks and elms cover the mountains, but the thickest woods can still be found in the northern part of the republic, in Volyn. Kiev and Cherkassy lie in the midst of Ukrainian southernmost pine forest. The main Ukrainian river is the Dnieper. It is one of the longest European rivers and one of the republic's main source of hydroelectric power. The Dnieper and its tributary the Ross had been the cradle of the Ukrainian and Russian people in time immemorial.

The climate of the country is moderate. Winter is rather mild, with no severe frosts but with regular snowfalls everywhere except the south. The rivers and lakes freeze in winter. The average winter temperature varies -20 Centigrade in the north to -3-5 in the south. Summer is quite hot and dry, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The fertile black soil is well watered in spring and autumn and gets plenty of sunshine in summer.

Due to favorable climatic conditions, Ukraine is traditionally an agricultural area. It grows wheat, maize, buckwheat and other corn, red and green vegetables, all kinds of fruit, melons and berries.

Ukraine is one of the world's main centers of sugar production. It produces sugar both for her own needs and for export.

The country is rich in natural resources, such as iron ore, coal, color metal, oil, gas, mineral salts, clay and potential water power. It has developed a varied industry, concentrated mostly in and around big cities, such as Kiev, Zaporozhye, Dnepropetrovsk, Dnyeprodzerzhinsk, Odessa, Kharkov, Lviv, Nickolayev and other. It produces planes and ships, lorries and buses, motorcars and locomotives, computer and electronic equipment, precision instruments and agricultural machines, TV and radioset, chemicals and textiles and various consumer goods. Odessa, Sebastopol, Nickolayev, Kherson and Kerch are main ukrainian ports.

There is a growing trend on a world-wide scale for people in need of medical care to travel across international borders to obtain the best, and most cost-effective, medical care available. This is generally referred to as “medical tourism” or “health tourism” and is a combination of healthcare and leisure, aimed at rejuvenating the patient mentally, physically and emotionally. Ukraine is the medical tourism destination of choice for many who are in need of dental work, eye surgery, cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery and relief from a host of illnesses. Ukraine offers world class medical facilities, as well as the ideal surroundings to aid a rapid recovery.

Medical tourism is by no means a new concept. For example in the 18th century in England, it was popular to visit spas and sanitariums that touted the therapeutic benefits of the mineralized waters, claiming to offer relief for just about anything from liver to lung disorders. The term “spa” is believed to have originated from the name of the Belgian town, Spa, where since medieval times the iron bearing spring water was used to treat a number of illnesses caused by iron deficiency, and people traveled from far and wide for this water.

Dental services offered in Ukraine are considered to be in line with the best in the world. The city of Lugansk in south-eastern Ukraine is home to the Edenta Dental Clinic, which specializes in medical tourism. Patients are assured of top quality care at extremely competitive prices, while their every need will be taken care of by clinic staff, from when they land at Lugansk airport, until they leave. Patients are encouraged to enjoy seeing the sights in this beautiful part of Ukraine and clinic staff will make all the necessary arrangements in this regard.

Someone who wants to undergo cosmetic surgery of any sort may prefer to have this done in more privacy that they would have at home. Ukraine has a number of clinics offering cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Combining a cosmetic procedure with a recovery period in a tranquil setting or exploring the sights and sounds of Ukraine, may be just what is needed for the patient to be in the right frame of mind to return home.

Opthalmologic clinics in Ukraine have great experience in the use of Excimer Laser in treating various eye ailments. This incredibly precise ultra violet laser is very effective in corrective eye surgery. The clinics arrange treatment sessions in such a way that patients can also make the most of their visit to Ukraine and have the opportunity to visit some of the many tourist attractions that bear testimony to the culture and history of this fascinating country.

Other medical tourism facilities in Ukraine include health spas where visitors can enjoy therapeutic mineral springs, traditional Russian baths (similar to a sauna), good food and plenty of pampering, ensuring that the patient returns home feeling a whole lot better than before.

Ukraine has been developing its own original culture since very early times of its history. There were periods when Ukrainian culture experienced considerable influences of other cultures such as those of Byzantium and of the Vikings (in the medieval times of Kyivan Rus), but basically it preserved its general original quality. The Old Ukrainian language was used as Latin of Eastern Europe for a period of time.

Though oral literature existed in the very early periods of Ukraine's history, written elite literature began to develop from the end of the 10th century. After the adoption of Christianity which gave a big boost for the development of culture in general. The churches of Kyiv - and their number - caused admiration of foreign travellers visiting the city in the 11th and 12th centuries. The eleventh-century Grand Duke Yarsolav the Wise founded a library which became one of the biggest in Europe, and promoted the institution of schools, including those for girls. In later centuries, literacy was widely spread in Ukraine.

In spite of a turbulent and dramatic history, Ukraine has preserved a cultural constant from the early times of its existence. Book printing began in Ukraine in the 16th century and the first establishment of higher learning - the first not only in Ukraine but in the whole of Eastern Europe - Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, sprang up in the early 17th century.

Notwithstanding its colonial status, Ukraine had a wide spectrum of art and literature which entered a phase of stepped-up development in the 18th century. Poetic and prose works written by Taras Shevchenko, the most revered cultural figure of Ukraine, Ivan Kotlyarevsky, Lesya Ukrayinka, Ivan Franko, Mykhaylo Kotsyubynsky and other authors of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, were a worthy contribution to world literature.

Folk music, and later symphonic and opera music were and are among Ukraine's cultural strengths.

National traditions and rituals

Ukrainian national traditions, customs, and oral folk literature reflect Old Ukrainian pre-Christian, and Christian cultures. The rituals derive from the folk calendar, religious celebrations like Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide, Ivana Kupala (St.John's Eve), New Year, and the autumn folk festivals dedicated to the end of the agricultural work.

Ukrainians have typical wedding habits, family traditions connected with crafts and jobs (the first day of sowing, beginning of the harvest), along with traditional symbols (straw didukh, decorated pysanka Easter eggs), holy water, and traditional dishes like kutia (boiled wheat with honey and poppy seed), paskha Easter bread, varenyky (something like ravioli), and pancakes. The rituals include folk dances, carols, fortune-telling, and blessing with water.

Holidays were celebrated during periods of transition from one type of agricultural activity to another. Easter, for example, is a spring holiday. Spring is a time of ploughing and sowing in the fields, a time of warmth and rebirth after a cold, hungry winter. In pagan times Ukrainians believed that the gods died and were reborn every year. An example of a pagan ritual is the dyeing of eggs.

To the Christian Ascention Day (the 40th day after Easter) Ukrainians added a pre-Christian tradition of going to the field to inspect the progress of the wheat.

The Trinity is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter in summer. Traditionally, people decorated their homes with green tree branches and fragrant herbs. Another summer holiday full of magic and ritual is known as Saint Kupala (July 7). During the day everyone has to be at least immersed in water. This was the last holiday before the harvest.

August 2nd is known as St. Illia Day which marked the beginning of autumn. People say - "Until dinner it's summer, after dinner it's autumn". On the 19th of August known as Saviour Day vegetables, fruit, mushrooms and honey were blessed. Weddings usually took place in the middle of October. A unique feature of Ukrainian Christmas festivities is the Vertep or puppet theatre. Young people would get together; dress as angels, kings, Herod, animals. They walk from house to house singing Koliadky, greeting everyone with the holiday.

Music

Folk music in Ukraine reflects the gains and traditions of the Kyivan Rus'. These were mainly ritual songs sung acappella. Historical songs (dumy) and kobza-playing appeared as typical Ukrainian folk genres in the sixteenth century. The Hlukhin School of singing and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy was the core of musical education from the seventeenth to early nineteenth century’s. Ukrainian choral music reached its peak owing to the works of Dmytro Bortniansky, Maksym Berezovsky, and Artemi Vedel.

The first Ukrainian opera, Zaporozhets za Dunayem (A Zaporozhzhian Cossack Beyond the Danube), by Semen Hulak-Artemovsky was written in 1863. Ukrainian classical music was dominated by Mykola Lysenko (1842-1912) and in the twentieth its traditions were further augmented by Levko Revutsky, Borys Liatoshynsky, Stanislav Liudkevich, Volodymyr Barvinsky, Kost Dankevych, and Hryhory Maiborada.

Independence has encouraged the development of all musical directions: Ukrainian song is being restored; there are musical genres in popular music: Cossak songs and song poetry, Polissia magic pop, and Kolomiya rap. Numerous new festivals and competitions have sprung up and the most popular are the Tavriya Games. Opera art festivals, international organ and piano music festivals have become a tradition.

The Dnipro Embankment

Dnipro river, KievModern Kiev lies on both banks of the Dnipro, the third-largest river in Europe (2201 km). So, if it is a river, it has to have a River Terminal! Look for it in the Podil district next to Poshtova Square, and having found it, make sure you go on an unforgettable Dnipro cruise. You may sail along the Kiev shores, or visit Ukraine’s other cities located on the Dnipro, or even travel as far as the Black Sea and take an international cruise!

The National Opera of Ukraine

Kiev, opera houseThe National Opera House, located at the intersection of Volodymyrska and Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Streets, is rightfully regarded as an architectural gem of Kiev. This splendid building in French Renaissance style was erected in 1901 based on a design by Russian architect Viktor Shreter. In June 1917, the all-Ukrainian Military Congress, held in the theater, established the first Central Rada, headed by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, and declared the autonomy of Ukraine. In 1983-1988 the theater underwent major reconstruction.

St.Michael’s Monastery

Mykhalivska churchTo Kievites, the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral has special significance: after all, Michael the Archangel is regarded as the divine patron of Kiev. St. Michael’s stone Cathedral, with its golden domes, was built in 1108-1113 by Kievan Prince Sviatopolk (or Michael). The church was destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1930’s. The monastery complex was restored only in 1997-2000.

The Kiev Pechersk Lavra

Pecherska Lavra, KievOne of the oldest monasteries in the Kievan Rus, whose history goes as far back as in 1051 when Anthony of the Caves founded it. Circa 1062, ground buildings were first erected on the territory of Lavra and soon thereafter, stone temples, monastic cells, and other buildings. Since 1990, the architectural complex of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Bohdan Khmelnytsky Monument, St.Sophia Square

Bohdan Khmelnitskyi monumentThe selection of this location for the monument to a famous horseman was not accidental: it was on St. Sofia Square (Sofiysky Maidan) that Kievites were greeting the Hetman after his victory in a battle against Polish gentry on 23 December 1648 . Thanks to donations by Kievites, the monument on its granite pedestal appeared in 1888 on the square in front of the St. Sophia Cathedral.

Monument to St. Volodymyr

St.Vladimir monument, KievOne of Kiev’s symbols, the statue of Prince Volodymyr the Great, is located 70 metres above the Dnipro level in Volodymyr’s Hill Park since the end of the 19th century. Since 1853, the bronze figure of the baptizer of Rus is standing, towering on a 16-metre pedestal. You can get to Volodymyr’s Hill from the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral or from Poshtova Square.

Chernovtsi

The history of Chernovtsi began many centuries ago. Archeological evidence indicates there was a population in the area since the neolithic era. Artifacts from the Bronze and Iron ages have been found in the city, remains of early Slavic tribes discovered in the area date back to the 2nd to 5th century and artifacts of Croatian and Tiverian people found originate from the 9th to 11th century. The fortified settlement originally located on the left bank of the river Prut is believed to have been built by the Great Prince Yaroslav Osmomysl who ruled the region in the 12th century

Crimea

Crimea is a penninsula in the south of Ukraine with most of the coastline bordering with the Black Sea and on the east with Azov Sea. Crimea offers just about all possible attractions - sunny beaches for leisure, beautiful nature for walks or hiking, historically interesting places such as the Livadia Palace and many others.

Ukraine Hospitals listed below are the most popular for Medical Tourism. Thousand of International patients  receive high quality medical treatment  at these hospitals annually. Our Network hospitals provide exclusive services to our clients due to our long Term relationships,stringent operational rules and contracts that favors our clients comfort and safety. To understand more about these hospitals, with details about its services, specializations, comforts, doctors and staff resumes, accreditation , certifications, specific treatments and success rates, you can discuss in detail with our Professional Medical Case Managers.

The hospitals in SurgeryPlanet Network have state of the art facilities and services with excellent and highly trained staff. Many of them have independent sections and departments to provide Specialized services to our International Customers. 

The exclusive Guarantees, International Patient Agreements, Special services and comforts that are provided by  our Network hospitals and Providers  exclusively to SurgeryPlanet Customers, due to our International Service Agreements , may not be provided to customers that approach the Hospital/Providers directly and  are not enrolled with SurgeryPlanet. Once you have contacted the hospitals/providers directly and your customer name/details has been entered in the Providers enrollment system, you will not be able to avail  SurgeryPlanet exclusive special services and guarantees, which will protect your rights, and comforts at the overseas destination/Provider.

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