Interesting Facts about Ukraine

Ukraine is much more than just this crisis

Four years into the crisis, families across Ukraine are still facing daily upheaval as their lives are repeatedly turned upside down.

You may have seen unsettling images and stories coming from Ukraine on the news over recent years, but Ukraine is much more than just this crisis. It has a rich history and has many unique characteristics. Read on to discover more facts about Ukraine.

Our top 10 interesting facts about Ukraine

1. Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe in terms of total area– spanning 603,550 square km (or 233 square miles – twice the size of Italy!)

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites designate some of the most important parts of the world and Ukraine is lucky enough to be home to eight, including the Saint-Sophia Cathedral in the capital city of Kyiv. The Historic Centre of Odesa was added in 2023.

3. When asked to think of a Ukrainian food, many people are likely to say the humble chicken kiev (which actually was probably not invented in Ukraine). The national Ukrainian dish is actually borscht, a distinctive red soup made from beetroot and beef. In 2022, UNESCO recognised Ukrainian borscht culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.

4. Ukraine is home to Europe's deepest metro station. Kyiv’s Arsenalna station is about 105.5 metres underground, making it the deepest metro station in Europe and one of the deepest in the world. Its depth is due to Kyiv’s steep terrain above the Dnipro River.

5. Ukraine is home to one of our favourite holiday pastimes – Easter eggs! Originally coloured and patterned using wax and dye, we have Ukraine to thank for our favourite decorative treat.

Easter Eggs - Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels — Photo by Polina Zimmerman from Pexels

6. Standing at 2,061 metres, Mount Hoverla, part of the Carpathian Mountains which fall into Western Ukraine, is the tallest peak in Ukraine and a popular site for extreme sports.

7. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest producer of sunflower seeds, and across every part of Ukraine, you’ll see stunning fields of these yellow blooms – so many that they’d cover the entire of Slovenia if you uprooted them!

8. Ukraine has some of the most fertile soil on Earth. Around two‑thirds of Ukraine’s agricultural land is covered by chernozem (“black earth”), one of the most fertile soils in the world, rich in organic matter and crucial to global food production. This soil enables Ukraine to be a top global producer of sunflower oil, maize and wheat.

9. Ukraine is one of 10 countries that host points of the Struve Geodetic Arc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site created in the 19th century to make the first accurate measurement of the Earth’s size and shape.

10. One of the most unique tourist attractions in Ukraine is the so-called ‘Tunnel of Love’. A section of industrial railway that is surrounded by stunning greenery, it’s a favourite for couples who are looking for a romantic walk.

Kyiv monument — Monument in Kyiv - Photo by Petkevich Evgeniy from Pexels

How to help Ukraine

Ukraine is an amazing country, and the above facts remind us of what is at risk at this crisis continues.

But as well as the natural beauty and culture at risk, over 44 million people call this country their home. Millions of people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine, leaving 3.7 million Ukrainians internally displaced, and 5.7 million Ukrainians seeking refuge abroad.

Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in. Critical infrastructure such as health facilities, water supplies and schools have also been damaged or destroyed. A recent survey conducted by World Vision revealed that more than half of families report disruptions to their children’s education due to harsh winter conditions, ongoing insecurity and widespread power outages.

Over the last four years since the conflict broke out, World Vision has reached more than 240,000 children with educational support, 230,000 people with cash assistance, over 459,000 with food assistance, and provided non-food items to more than 335,000 people across Ukraine. But many more still need vital, ongoing support.

Your support directly impacts lives and protects children.

World Vision UK is a member of the DEC. DEC charities are in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meeting the needs of all refugees and displaced people: