Overview
Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe. It holds the distinction of being the second-largest country on the European continent, surpassed in size only by Russia, which lies along its eastern and northeastern borders. Covering an expansive area of 603,628 square kilometers (233,062 square miles), Ukraine occupies a significant portion of the European landmass and is home to an estimated population of 32.3 million people as of 2026.
Geography and Borders
Ukraine's location places it at a crossroads of Eastern and Central Europe, and it shares borders with several nations. To the north lies Belarus, while Poland and Slovakia form its western boundaries. Continuing along its southwestern edge, Ukraine borders Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. The country's southern and southeastern reaches meet two significant bodies of water: the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, which provide Ukraine with valuable maritime access.
- Eastern/Northeastern border: Russia
- Northern border: Belarus
- Western borders: Poland and Slovakia
- Southwestern borders: Hungary, Romania, and Moldova
- Southern/Southeastern coastlines: Black Sea and Sea of Azov
Major Cities
Kyiv serves as both the capital and largest city of Ukraine, functioning as the country's political, cultural, and economic center. Beyond the capital, several other cities play important roles in the nation's urban landscape.
- Kyiv – the capital and largest city
- Kharkiv – a major city in the country
- Odesa – a significant urban center
- Dnipro – another key city within Ukraine
Language
The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, which serves as the primary means of communication across government, education, and everyday life throughout the country.
Population and Scale
With a total area of 603,628 square kilometers, Ukraine's vast territory supports a population estimated at 32.3 million as of 2026. This combination of size and population underscores Ukraine's importance as one of the major countries within the European continent.