Kyiv is one of the oldest cities of Europe. It's the capital of Ukraine.
The population of the city is about 3 million people. Kyiv is the country’s main industrial, financial, educational and cultural centre. Kyiv is situated on both banks of the Dnipro River.
By the ancient legend Kyiv was founded by three brothers Kiy, Schek, Khoriv and their sister Lybid. They were surprised by the beauty of Dnieper’s hills, stopped to settle here and called the town in honour of the eldest brother- Kyiv.
There are a lot of places of historic interest in it. St Sophia Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century, Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra, the monument to Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the outstanding Ukrainian leader, the Golden Gates, the Andreyevskaya Church. Any place is interesting in its own way.
The main street of Kyiv is Khreshchatyk. The street is only one kilometre long but very impressive.
Kyiv has a well-developed industry. Its factories and plants produce sea vessels, air liners, computers, motorcycles and consumer goods.
Kyiv is also one of the largest scientific centres. The Ukrainian Academy of Sciences is located in there.
Kyiv's cultural life is rich and varied. There are many theatres, museums and exhibitions in Kyiv.
Kyiv is also the centre of political life in Ukraine. All major political events take place here.