Kiev city

Kiev (Kyiv, in Ukrainian), the capital of Ukraine, has a population of nearly 3 million inhabitants and covers over 43 km from east to west and 42 km from north to south. Approximately 85% of the Ukrainian population are Orthodox Christians; 10% are Catholics of the Byzantine rite; 3% are Protestant (mainly Baptists); 1.3% are of the Jewish faith. Kyiv has much to offer in the cultural and architectural arenas with its wide tree-lined boulevards and historical buildings reflecting various styles and periods of the ancient Kyivan-Rus Empire.

Kyiv is a major industrial center that includes companies specializing in electronics, engineering, aviation, food and chemical production, etc. Kyiv's economic development has been enriched by its advantageous location along the Dnipro River, which links Kyiv to the Black Sea.

Kyiv (also known as Kiev), a scenic city of close to 3 million people situated on the Dnipro River, is the bustling capital of Ukraine. Ancient Kievan Rus, which reached its greatest period of ascendancy during the 11th and 12th centuries, was a center of trade routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The city of Kyiv and the power of Kievan Rus were destroyed in 1240 by Mongol invaders and the lands of Kievan Rus were divided into principalities located to the west and north: Galicia, Volynia, Muscovy and later, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Once a powerful force on the European scene, Ukraine's fate in modern times has been decided in far-off capitals. As a result, modern Ukrainian history, for the most part, has been defined by foreign occupation.

Kyiv suffered severely during World War II, and many irreplaceable architectural and art treasures were destroyed. Earlier in the 1930's the Soviet authorities systematically destroyed many churches. Extensive restoration has revived much of historic Kyiv. The city hit the headlines in April 1986, when the nuclear reactor at nearby Chernobyl exploded, but scientists generally agree that the city is now safe from radiation effects.

The modern center with surviving parts of the old city are on the hilly west, or right bank, of the Dnipro River. The main street, Khreshchatik, runs between two steep hills. Parallel about half a kilometer west, is vulytsya Volodymyrska, the main street of the Old Kyiv area (Staryj Kyiv). From the north end of Khreshchatik, vulytsya Hrushevskoho rises southeast along a ridge to the Caves Monastery at Perchersk. Woods and parks cover most of the steep right-bank slopes. The capital's newer sections stretch out on the flat left bank. These are characterized by large housing developments and industrialized neighborhoods.

Ukrainian pottery, embroidery, and handicrafts are available throughout the city, particularly in shops on Andrievsky Uzviz, at Percherska Lavra, and St. Sophia's church. Quality and quantity vary from shop to shop. A growing number of hard currency stores stock Western food, alcohol, clothing, and electrical appliances. Most prices, in hard-currency stores, are higher than those in the West, and availability of stock is unpredictable.

Working hours
State and public offices are opened from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a lunch hour from 1p.m. as a rule. The majority of stores are opened from 10a.m. to 7p.m. and closed only on Sunday. A lunch hour is usually either from 1 to 2p.m. or from 2 to 3p.m.As for food stores, many of them work 24 hours 7 days a week, a few – from 8a.m. to 8p.m.Usual work time for cafes and restaurants is from 10-12 a.m. until a last customer leaves.

Most banks are open to public from 9a.m. to 3p.m with a lunch hour from 1 to 2 p.m. and are closed on Saturday, Sunday.

Governmental system
Ukraine is a republic with a constitutional democracy form of government, headed by the President. The power is divided among executive, legislative and judicial branches. The President designates a Prime Minister and regional governors, the Supreme Council can veto his decisions. Executive branch: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the President and approved by the Supreme Council. Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council (Verkhovna Rada) of 450 seats.The Ukrainian national emblem is a golden Trident (tryzoob), which dates back to Rjurik Dynasty, the governors of Kievan Rus.

Crime in Ukraine
is relatively low as for western standards but now it is on the increase. Common sense guidelines that would apply in any large city, should be used in Kyiv and will contribute to a safe and enjoyable visit.

Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively. Avoid conspicuous behavior which would draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner. Be polite and low-key. Avoid loud conversations and arguments.

Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets (there are many in Kyiv). Before going into underground pedestrian crosswalks check to see who is entering and who is already in it. Try ont to travel alone. Do not stop for strangers who want to talk to you or who need their cigarette lit. Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at night.

Be alert for gangs of youths or children. If you can avoid them by going into a store or the other direction, do so. Be wary of con artists, distractions and diversions. Be aware of being bumped into. Pickpockets frequently bump into their victims to distract them. This is especially true if you are utilizing Kyiv's public transportation. Be alert in Kyiv's open-air markets which is a favorite area of operation for many of the city's criminal elements.

Carry handbags or backpacks in a secure manner to prevent snatch and run type theft, and place wallets in inside or zippered pockets. Wrapping rubberbands around your wallet, makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.

Instead of keeping all your money, airline tickets, passport, and other valuables in your wallet, conceal them in several places to prevent easy theft. Keep them in your accompanying hand luggage, on your person, or in a hotel safety-deposit box. Do not leave them in your room while you are out. Keep hotel and car keys on your person. Do not leave your bags unattended in public areas or taxis. Don't flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Be sure your credit card is returned after each transaction.

Be especially alert when shopping at the many hard currency stores located in Kyiv. The criminal element knows that patrons of such stores are usually carrying large sums of western currency and are an extremely attractive target. Be alert when leaving stores or hotels. If you feel you are being followed, seek out a public area or militia officer.

If confronted by armed attackers: give up your valuables. Don't carry items you are not prepared to lose. If any of your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss to the police. Report loss of:

Travelers Checks to the nearest officeof the issuing company or its agent.
Airline Tickets to the airline company or travel agent.
Passport to the police or if you are an amircan citizen to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Credit Cards to the credit card company.
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Be sure of the identity of service or maintenance personnel before opening the door of your hotel room. Meet visitors in the hotel lobby. Don't meet strangers at unknown or remote locations. Never invite a stranger into your hotel room.

Be careful of selecting taxicabs. Do not get into the cab, if other individuals are in the vehicle. If your luggage is put in the trunk, do not exit the vehicle until the driver exits and proceeds to open the trunk. Also leave the passenger door open until all your luggage is removed from the vehicle.

If you travel by train, purchase tickets for the entire compartment. Do not let the conductor place other passengers in your compartment. Use both locks on the compartment door and secure the door with a piece of rope or wire in addition to the locks.

Only exchange money at the authorizedlocations. Illegal currency exchange in Ukraine is a criminal offense. Remember, when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

Report any unusual or untoward incidents and all encounters with the police.

Useful Kiev related links: