Russian ground troops on Thursday morning crossed into Ukraine from several directions. Hours earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced the launch of a massive attack.
Although the country we know today was only born in 1991, Ukraine has long been renowned for its beautiful and diverse landscapes, well-preserved culture and traditions, beautiful women and horrific nuclear disasters.
Many people don't know much about Ukraine, other than maybe its flag and its conflict with Russia. Summarized by Indiatimes, here are some interesting facts that make Ukraine so special!
1. The Largest Country in Europe
If not including Russia which is located in Asia and Europe, Ukraine is the largest country in terms of area in Europe. The total area of Ukraine is 603.55 sq. km. While Ukraine is the largest country in terms of area in Europe, it is not large in terms of population. With a population of about 43 million people, it is smaller than the populations of Germany and France.
2. Ukraine has seven World Heritage Sites
Ukraine is home to seven sites protected by the UNESCO World Heritage List, they are also one of the best places in Ukraine to visit. These include Kyiv's Saint-Sophia Cathedral and the historic center of Lviv, the unique wooden church of the Carpathians and the beech forest that surrounds it. Here is an overview of the amazing sheltered places you need to visit during your vacation in Ukraine.
3. Have Many Ghost Towns
The deadliest nuclear disaster of all time, the Chernobyl disaster, occurred in Ukraine. The site where this disaster occurred and its environs is located in northern Ukraine and was part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, which was established by the Soviet Union soon after the accident in 1986. Within the zone are a number of abandoned towns, most notably Pripyat, which attracts interest from around the world. world. Tours of the area, including the power plant, are available, at the traveler's risk.
4. Find the gas lamp
The gas lamp invented by two Lviv-based pharmacists - Jan Zeh and Ignacy ukasiewicz in 1853 is one of these innovative inventions. Invented by a local pharmacist in a shop called At the Golden Star, today the achievement is remembered by a cafe called Gasova L'ampa found in the same building.
5. The world's largest producer of sunflower seeds
Ukraine is the world's largest producer of sunflower seeds, followed by Russia. The US is the 10th largest producer of sunflower seeds in the world, with most being grown in South Dakota and North Dakota. It is estimated that the total area of Ukrainian sunflower farm can cover the entire territory of Slovenia.
6. European Bread Basket
Ukraine's vast farmland with fertile black soil makes it an ideal place to grow wheat and other food crops. Because of this, it has been nicknamed the "European Bread Basket". Today, Ukraine continues to be one of the largest wheat producers in the world.
7. Ukraine's national costume is Vyshyvanka
Vyshyvanka is the name of the National Costume of Ukraine. It is different from the others because of its embroidery work which features Ukrainian embroidery. The Vyshyvanka is a plain white shirt made of linen and decorated with floral embroidery or hand-sewn ornaments. And the specialty of the costume is that it is worn by both men and women.
8. The Famous Tunnel of Love is located here
The Tunnel of Love is a semi-abandoned railway line in Klaven, Northwest Ukraine that is listed as the most romantic place in the world. This stunning natural railway tunnel is surrounded by green arches formed by trees on both sides of the single track railway. Its romantic setting attracts many couples to the place. According to local legend, the wishes of the couple who visit the place will come true.
9. The world's largest producer of sunflower seeds
Ukraine is the world's largest producer of sunflower seeds, followed by Russia. The US is the 10th largest producer of sunflower seeds in the world, with most being grown in South Dakota and North Dakota. It is estimated that the total area of Ukrainian sunflower farm can cover the entire territory of Slovenia.
10. Heaviest Airplane Ever
The An-225 is the heaviest aircraft ever built, with a maximum take-off weight of 710 tonnes. It holds the record for total air payload at 559,580 pounds, as well as single cargo carried at 418,830 pounds. The Antonov An-225 Mriya was built in Kiev, Ukraine when it was still part of the Soviet Union. It also has the largest wingspan of all functional aircraft.