Fact 1: Ukraine boasts the deepest metro station in the world
The Arsenalna Metro Station in Ukraine's capital city, Kiev, holds the record for being the deepest metro station in the world. Its platforms are located approximately 105.5 meters below ground level. The long journey down through two moving stairways takes roughly up to 5 minutes, providing an exciting start to any metro journey.
Fact 2: It's fourth in the world for having the most number of post-graduates
Education is highly valued in Ukraine. The country is frequently listed among the top five in the world for the highest number of certified workers, higher education graduates, and post-graduate degree holders. Ukraine prides itself on its rigorous academic standards and a large pool of highly skilled workforce.
Fact 3: Home to the geographical centre of Europe
Although subject to some debate, one of the places claiming to be the geographical centre of Europe is located in Ukraine. Near the small town of Rakhiv, a monument was erected to symbolize this unique geographical fact.
Fact 4: The Ukrainian language has an ancient heritage
Ukrainian, the official state language, is one of the oldest Slavic languages. It has preserved archaic features of the Proto-Indo-European language, such as the regular preservation of the long vowels ї and и.
Fact 5: The inventor of x-ray imaging machine was of Ukrainian origin
Wilhelm Roentgen, the inventor of the x-ray imaging machine, was actually of Ukrainian origin. His family originally hailed from the city of Chernivtsi. This remarkable technological innovation transformed medical and biological science fields forever.
Fact 6: Ukraine has the world's longest musical instrument
A unique Ukrainian folklore musical instrument, the Trembita, is considered the longest musical instrument in the world. Traditionally used by the Hutsuls in the Carpathian Mountains, it can reach up to four meters in length.
Fact 7: The official symbol of the country, the trident, has ancient origins
The trident, Ukraine's official symbol and national coat of arms, traces its origin way back to Prince Volodymyr the Great (980-1015). It has remained a symbol of the country and its people for more than 1000 years.
Fact 8: Home to the ghost town of Pripyat
Ukraine houses the ghost town of Pripyat, abandoned after the catastrophic nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986. Today, it attracts daring tourists who are eager to explore its eerie, decaying buildings and quiet streets.
Fact 9: Ukrainian borscht soup is listed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list
The famous Ukrainian borscht soup, a beetroot-based dish, has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This highlights the importance of the dish in Ukrainian culture and history.
Fact 10: The world's biggest plane was made in Ukraine
The world's biggest airplane, the Antonov An-225 Mriya, is a product of Ukraine. This colossal aircraft, which was initially developed to transport the Buran space shuttle, is still in operation today.
Fact 11: Ukraine is one of the world’s largest sunflower oil producers
Sunflower fields are a common sight in Ukraine. The country is one of the biggest producers and exporters of sunflower oil in the world, making this dazzling yellow flower a significant contributor to its economy.
Fact 12: The world's largest artificial forest is in Ukraine
The Khortytsia Island in Zaporizhia houses the world’s largest artificial forest. Stretching over 12.5 hectares, it was planted by hand during the development of the Dnieper Hydroelectric Station.
Fact 13: Ukraine has an impressive array of native animals
Ukraine has a rich diversity of wildlife, boasting nearly 350 bird species, 100 mammals, 200 fish varieties, and over 30,000 insect species. Some indigenous species include wolf, brown bear, and Eurasian lynx.
Fact 14: Ukrainian Cossacks are famous for their martial arts skills
The Ukrainian Cossacks were legendary and historically significant military communities of East Slavic people. They were renowned for their martial arts skills, notably in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.
Fact 15: Some of the oldest human-constructed structures are found in Ukraine
The ancient settlement of Trypillia, located near Kiev, is known for traces of human habitation as old as 5400-2700 BC. Some structures found here are among the oldest human-constructed buildings.
Fact 16: Ukraine has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Two of these seven sites are natural wonders – the Ancient Beech Forests and the Danube Biosphere Reserve. The other five are cultural landmarks, including the Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Pechersk Lavra Monastic Complex in Kiev.
Fact 17: The country has a unique Christmas tradition
Ukrainian Christmas celebrations are famous for their 'Didukh' - a decoration made from wheat sheaves symbolizing the ancestors' spirits. It's placed in homes at Christmas to bring health and abundance.
Fact 18: One of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe is in Ukraine
Founded in 1661, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe. It's recognized for its contribution to the political and educational development in Ukraine and the surrounding region.
Fact 19: Homes to Europe's largest McDonalds
With over 1,000 seats and 200 service staff, the McDonald's in Kiev's city center is Europe’s largest. Able to serve over two thousand customers simultaneously, it's a unique blend of fast food and Ukrainian hospitality.
Fact 20: Ukrainian Vyshyvanka holds significant cultural symbolism
Vyshyvanka is a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt or dress. Each region has its own unique pattern, which can tell stories, symbolize protection, or even indicate marital status. Many Ukrainians wear vyshyvanka on special occasions to express national pride and cultural identity.