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The geographical position of Ukraine
and its climate

Ukraine is a country in south-eastern Europe, the second largest country of the continent after Russia. Ukraine’s area is 603 700 km². It’s slightly larger than France. The territory of Ukraine extends 900 km from north to south and 1 300 km from east to west. The total area is 603 700 km². Ukraine is mainly a plain with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the south-west and the Black Sea in the south. Ukraine borders on Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km, Poland 526 km, Romania (south) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia 1, 576 km, Slovakia 97 km.

There are 24 administrative regions and the Crimean autonomous republic. In Ukraine there are 2 municipalities: Kyiv (the capital of Ukraine) and Sevastopol (the main military port of the Crimea). The geographical position of Ukraine is very favourable: outlets to the Black and Azov Seas, the Crimean and Carpathian Mountains, many rivers and lakes, plains rich on productive black earth, forests and rich in minerals regions.

Central and southern Ukraine is primary steppe (prairie), with fertile black soil. In the east there is the industrial heartland containing large reserves of mineral deposits known as the Greater Donbas or Donetsk Basin.

Northern and western Ukraine is hilly, forested areas with many picturesque mountain resorts. There are two mountain ranges, the Carpathian on its western border where winter sports are very popular and the Crimean range, which divides the Crimean peninsula. The Crimea is a favourite destination not only for Ukrainian tourists, but also for citizens of other states.

The geographical position of Ukraine influences the climate of Ukraine. It is mostly moderate continental. But the Crimea differs greatly from the other parts of the territory, where the climate is subtropical. One can see the difference even in the average summer and winter temperatures. The average summer temperature is +21-22º C, but it is usually +23-26º C in the Crimea. The winter temperature in the Crimea is about +3º C as the Crimean Mountains stop cold winds from the north.

The Carpathian Mountains differ from the rest of the Ukrainian territory in the amount of rains. The highest rainfall is noticed in this part. Summer is usually dry and hot in Ukraine, but in the Carpathians showers and thunderstorms often occur. Sometimes storms bring hail, which is very unfavourable for agriculture.

Winter is usually mild, without severe frosts. Sleet is quite usual for Ukrainian cities and towns in winter. Still winter snow cover is typical for the climate of Ukraine except the southern part.

Fogs are not frequent in this country, but they may happen in autumn or spring. Due to its favourable climatic conditions, such as winter snow cover, enough amount of rains and hot days during the summer, Ukraine is traditionally an agricultural country. It grows wheat, maize and other corns, vegetables and nearly all kinds of fruit.