Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Belarus to the north, Russia to the northeast and east, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the south, and Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to the west. Ukraine is known for its diverse landscapes that include plains, plateaus, and mountains, as well as numerous rivers, most notably the Dnieper. The capital city of Ukraine is Kyiv, which also serves as a cultural, economic, and political center. Ukraine has a rich history, influenced by various cultures and empires, including the Kievan Rus, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Soviet Union.
The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since developed its own national identity and government system. Ukrainian is the official language, and the population is known for its traditions in folk art, music, and cuisine. Ukraine has faced significant challenges, particularly during the 2014 Crimean crisis and ongoing conflicts in the eastern regions, which have affected its sovereignty and territorial integrity.