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LESSON 1

Basic knowledge of the state of Ukraine

Author: Tetiana Yakusyk

Ukraine? Where is it?

You probably know that anyway, but it won't hurt to repeat 😉

Ukraine is an independent state in Eastern Europe. Our neighbors are Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Russia (yes, the last one started the war against Ukraine).

Ukraine consists of 24 areas and one autonomous republic. Since 2014, Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions have been occupied by Russia.

Fun fact: the geographical center of Europe is located on the territory of our state – the village Dilove near the town of Rakhiv in the Transcarpathian region.

See the video reporting of Hannah Jewell.

The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv. Please call our capital Kyiv, not Kiev. The difference is not big, but it is vital for Ukrainian culture and language. Kiev derives from the Russian language, and Kyiv from Ukrainian. Agreed?

What is Ukraine?

Ukraine has a long history and rich culture.

Ukrainian territories were known as the medieval state – Kyivan Rus with its capital in Kyiv. However, in 1187 we see the name Ukraine in historical sources (Ipatiev Chronicle).

In 1648, Ukraine appeared on the map of the French cartographer Guillaume de Beauplan, who also published a book describing the country's geography, economy, and demography.

Is Ukraine a big country?

You could just say “yes”, but if you're really curious… Ukraine's area of 603,548 km2 is a kind of "comfort zone" for every Ukrainian.

Ukraine is slightly smaller than Texas (696.2 km) and somewhat larger than France (551.6 km).

What are the symbols of Ukraine?

Our national symbols are the blue and yellow flag, the Trident emblem, and the national anthem..
Blue symbolizes a clear sky and yellow – ears of wheat in the field.

The Blue and yellow flag first appeared in the 14th century and was later used in the Ukrainian state for different periods.

The State Emblem of Ukraine – Trident dates back to the times of Kievan Rus, as a sign of the prince. Trident also appeared on the coins of Kievan Rus.

Coin of Prince Volodymyr. 11th century.

The word "freedom" is believed to be encrypted in our emblem.

Listen to our anthem, it's beautiful, honestly! In English too.

Listen to our anthem, it's beautiful, honestly! In English too.

Another symbol of Ukraine is vyshyvanka – an embroidered shirt, an element of traditional Ukrainian national clothes. The embroidery on this shirt may vary depending on the region.

Embroidered map of Ukraine at the Turkish Embassy.

Under Soviet rule, Ukrainian symbols were banned and severely punished for their display and even storage. However, we still continue to preserve it.

Who are the Ukrainians?

There are 41,208 million of us. Apart from Ukrainians, the indigenous population is Crimean Tatars, Krymchaks, and Karaites.
The most significant value of Ukraine is its people, and the greatest value of Ukrainians is freedom.
We preserve our freedom, traditions, and history.

Wedding couple. Ivano-Frankivsk region, Kornych village, 1933. Source: https://army.honchar.org.ua

Girl in a festive outfit. Chernihiv region, the city of Nosivka, 1914. Source: https://army.honchar.org.ua

Brothers and sisters in festive attire. Kyiv region, the city of Brovary, 1908. https://army.honchar.org.ua

Ukrainian band Kalush Orchestra, winners of Eurovision 2022. Source: https://eurovision.tv/participant/kalush-orchestra-22

How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine?
How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine? How to be brave like Ukraine?

It is to take responsibility for security and the transmission of traditions from generation to generation

Lesson 2

History of the origin of Ukraine and the beginning of the nation

Lesson 2