UNDP in Ukraine

Ukraine is a state in East-Central Europe, bounded on the north by Belarus (952 km), on the northeast by the Russian Federation (2,484 km), on the west by Poland (542 km) and Slovakia (98 km), and on the southwest by Hungary (135 km), Romania (608 km), and Moldova (1,194 km). The state border extends for a total of 7,698 km, and the length of Ukraine's sea coast is 1,758 km

Total area: 603,700 sq.km.

Ukraine is the biggest country in Europe. It is divided into 24 regions (oblasts) and an Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The country has an access to the Black Sea and the Azov Sea and two mountainsides: the Ukrainian Carpathians in the West and the Crimean Mountains in the South.

As of 1 May 2009, Ukraine's population amounted to 46,06 mn people.

Having celebrated the seventeenth anniversary of independence in 2008, Ukraine appeared as a country with a greater sense of freedom and a stronger feeling of national identity. Among the countries of the former Soviet Union, Ukraine firmly stands out in its commitment to European values, pluralism, freedom of speech and vigour of various non-governmental actors. However, this progress remains delicate and needs to be consolidated.

Ukraine pursues numerous democratic governance reforms and changes. The country reaffirmed its European Choice, and embarked on a course towards further international economic integration.

We are very grateful to our national counterparts and donors for their commitment and joint effort in advancing the human development agenda in Ukraine.

Ukraine obtained a market economy status from both the USA and the EU and has also joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). Foreign direct investment (FDI) has continued to flow in, although in a relatively low volume.

Energy remained a significant challenge for Ukraine. Reforms of the energy sector have not advanced much since 2004. In addition, ever-growing prices of gas imported from Russia in early create negative effect on Ukraine's economy, but expose greater urgency for energy efficiency across Ukraine.

The country's capacities to withstand external and domestic challenges will depend on Ukrainian leaders' abilities to strengthen stability, bolster decentralisation and reform the justice system, as well as take steps that will attract higher FDI, reform technologically outdated industries, unleash robust, stable long-term growth and distribute its fruits more equitably.

For more information on Ukraine please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine http://www.mfa.gov.ua/mfa/en/publication/content/42.htm