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The greek flag has 9 horizontal blue and white stripes. The colour blue represents the sky and the sea and the white represents purity, also symbol of the greek struggle for independence in 1821. The cross is a reference to the Orthodox Christian tradition of Greece.https://institutdelors.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/flag-anthem-greece.pdf

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The mountains of Ukraine are divided into two main ranges: the Carpathian Mountains in the west and the Crimean Mountains in the south.

The Carpathians are stretching across several regions. They are known for their beautiful landscapes, dense forests and rich biodiversity. The highest peak in the Ukrainian Carpathians is Hoverla, which rises to 2,061 metres. This region is also famous for its traditional villages, mineral springs, and ski resorts.

The Crimean Mountains are located in the southern part of the Crimean Peninsula. They are much smaller than the Carpathians. The highest peak, Roman-Kosh, reaches 1,545 metres.

Lots of people visit these most famous ranges. Very beautiful views open from the tops of the Ukrainian mountains.

By Nigurenko Nastia

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карпати, гори

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Synevyr Lake is a beautiful lake located in Ukraine. It is located in the Carpathian Mountains. The lake is known for its clear blue water, which looks like a piece of sky.

Many people visit Lake Synevyr to enjoy the fresh air. In summer, tourists can swim in the lake or have a picnic by its shore. In winter, the area is covered with snow, making it a perfect place for winter sports. Lake Synevyr is not only a natural wonder but also a great place for relaxation.

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Ukraine: Main Rivers
Ukraine’s rivers are a vital part of its landscape. The Dnieper (Dnipro) is the longest and most important, flowing through the center of the country and into the Black Sea. It’s used for transportation, hydroelectric power, and irrigation. The Southern Bug is another significant river, flowing entirely within Ukraine. The Dniester runs along the border with Moldova, while the Donets supports the industrial Donbas region.

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Ukrainian steppes is a very beautiful place. They are located in the south, centre and east of Ukraine. The steppes occupy almost 40% of the territory of Ukraine. In the steppe there are Odessa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk regions, the southern parts of Kirovohrad and Kharkiv regions and the flat part of Crimea. There is a flat relief here. So, in summer it's very hot in the steppes and cold in winter. The most common soils of the steppe are chernozems.

By Novik Snizhana

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The Dnipro is the longest river in Ukraine. It starts in another country and flows into the Black Sea. The river flows through many Ukrainian cities, such as Kyiv, Dnipro City, Kherson. People often fish, swim and go boating along the river. The Dnipro gives water to many towns and farms. In winter, some parts of the river freeze. In summer, the water is warm again. There are many bridges across the river. Birds and fish live in the Dnipro basin. The river is very important to Ukraine.

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Dnieper River, Ukrainian Dnipro, Russian Dnepr, Belarusian Dnyapro, ancient (Greek) Borysthenes, river of Europe, the fourth longest after the Volga, Danube, and Ural. It is 1,367 miles (2,200 km) in length and drains an area of about 195,000 square miles (505,000 square km).

The Dnieper rises at an elevation of about 720 feet (220 metres) in a small peat bog on the southern slope of the Valdai Hills of Russia, about 150 miles (240 km) west of Moscow, and flows in a generally southerly direction through western Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the Black Sea. For the first 300 miles (480 km) it passes through the Smolensk oblast (region) of Russia, first to the south and then to the west; near Orsha it turns south once more and for the next 370 miles (600 km) flows through Belarus. Finally, it flows through Ukrainian territory: south to Kiev, southeast from Kiev to Dnipropetrovsk, and then south-southwest to the Black Sea.

The Dnieper watershed includes the Volyn-Podilsk Upland, the Belarusian Ridge, the Valdai Hills, the Central Russian Upland, and the Smolensk-Moscow Upland. The centre of the basin consists of broad lowlands. Within the forest area and to some extent within the forest steppe area, the basin is covered with morainic and fluvioglacial deposits; on the steppe it is covered with loess. In some places, where the basin borders upon the basins of the Bug and the Western Dvina rivers, there is a flat swampy area. This facilitated the cutting of connecting water routes from the Dnieper to neighbouring rivers even in ancient times. At the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th, the Dnieper was connected to the Baltic Sea by several canals: the Dnieper-Bug Canal, running by way of the Pripet, Bug, and Vistula rivers; the Ahinski Canal by way of the Pripet and the Neman; and the Byarezina water system by way of the Byarezina and the Western Dvina. These canals later became obsolete.

Physical features

Physiography

The Dnieper is customarily divided into three parts: the upper Dnieper as far as Kiev, the middle Dnieper from Kiev to Zaporizhzhya (Ukraine), and the lower Dnieper from Zaporizhzhya to the mouth. The basin of the upper Dnieper is mainly within a forest area where peat-podzolic soils predominate (replaced in the southern portion of the upper course by podzolized gray forest soils). The upper Dnieper is characterized by excessive moisture and great swampiness. The river network is well developed in this area, where about four-fifths of the basin's annual runoff forms and the longest tributaries with the greatest runoff (the Byarezina, Sozh, Pripet, Teteriv, and Desna) flow. The basin of the middle Dnieper is in a forest steppe area with black earth. Forests stand in the watersheds and along the river valleys. The river network is less dense there, and the rivers carry comparatively less water. The principal tributaries of the middle Dnieper are the Ros, Sula, Psel, Vorskla, and Samara. The lower Dnieper basin lies within the Black Sea Lowland, in the black-soil steppe area, which has now been completely plowed up. The grassy steppe vegetation has been preserved only in the nature reserves and preserves and in old ravines and gullies. Near the Black Sea there is wormwood-fescue vegetation of the semiarid type in chestnut brown soil mixed with saline solonetz and solonchak soils. The lower Dnieper passes through a region of insufficient moisture, where irrigation is employed. The river network there consists for the most part of intermittent streams, the beds of which are ravines that fill with water in the spring and after torrential rains. The largest tributary of this section is the Inhulets.

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From its source to Dorogobuzh, Russia, the Dnieper is a small river flowing past low wooded and, in some places, swampy banks. Downstream the banks rise, and the width of the valley to Orsha varies for the most part from two to six miles, narrowing to less than half a mile in places. Its bed, from 130 to 400 feet (40 to 120 metres) wide, is sinuous, with numerous sandbanks. Above Orsha the Dnieper crosses a layer of Devonian limestone, forming a series of rapids that hamper navigation. From Orsha to Shklow, Belarus, the Dnieper flows between raised, sometimes steep banks overgrown with woods; the left bank becomes lower, whereas the right remains high as far as the confluence with the Sozh River (where the Dnieper enters Ukraine). The valley is wide on this stretch, reaching six to nine miles in places. The riverbed from Orsha to Mahilyow (Belarus) is relatively straight; below Mahilyow the Dnieper splits into several channels, producing many islands and sandbanks. The width of the river from Orsha to the confluence with the Sozh ranges from 260 to 1,300 feet (80 to 400 metres), and from the mouth of the Sozh to the mouth of the Pripet River it is from 1,600 to 2,000 feet (490 to 610 metres). The vegetation along the banks of the upper Dnieper consists mainly of wide floodplain meadows, thickets of willows and alders, and old lowland marshes.

Marked asymmetry of the river valley is characteristic of the middle Dnieper. The steep, high right bank (up to 260 feet [79 metres] above the river) forms the escarpment of the Volyn-Podilsk Upland, which stretches along the entire middle course of the river. The low and sloping left bank is formed by broad, ancient terraces. Isolated hills, rising over 300 feet (90 metres), appear on the low-lying left bank. On the southern portion of the middle Dnieper, the river cuts through the Ukrainian crystalline massif and flows for 56 miles (90 km) in a narrow, almost unterraced valley bounded by high, rocky banks. The Dnieper Rapids, which for centuries prevented continuous navigation, were once located there. The rapids were flooded by the backwaters of the Dnieper hydroelectric power station dam, above Zaporizhzhya, which raised the level of the river by 130 feet, backed its waters up to Dnipropetrovsk, and formed the Dnieper Reservoir.

Below Zaporizhzhya the Dnieper again passes into a wide valley with a high right bank (130 feet [40 metres] near Nikopol, 260 feet [80 metres] near Kherson). The slopes of the river there are very slight. Before the development of the Kakhovka Reservoir, the waters of which inundated a vast territory, the Dnieper split into numerous streams; flat swampy islands, overgrown with floodplain vegetation and reeds, lay among the channels. Today much of this is hidden under the waters of the reservoir. Below Kherson the Dnieper forms a delta, the many streams of which flow into the Dnieper estuary. Some have been deepened for navigational purposes.

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Dnieper River, river of Europe, the fourth longest after the Volga, Danube, and Ural. It is 1,367 miles (2,200 km) in length and drains an area of about 195,000 square miles (505,000 square km).

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Askania-Nova is a famous nature reserve in southern Ukraine. It is one of the oldest biosphere reserves in the world and was founded by Friedrich Falz-Fein in 1898. The reserve plays an important role in protecting many rare plants and animals.

One of the most unique features of Askania-Nova is its large open steppe, which remains untouched by human activity. The reserve is home to wild horses, deer, antelopes, and many bird species, including cranes and eagles. In addition to the steppe, Askania-Nova has a zoo and a botanical garden, where visitors can see different species of animals and plants.

Askania-Nova is also an important center for scientific research. Many scientists visit the reserve to study its ecosystems and wildlife. It has been recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, highlighting its global importance.

Tourists can explore Askania-Nova through guided tours, which offer a chance to see the animals in their natural habitat. The reserve continues to play a key role in preserving Ukraine’s natural heritage and promoting environmental conservation.

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Askania-Nova: The first steppe bioreserve • Ukraїner

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Askania-Nova is a true wonder not only for Pryazovia but also for all of Ukraine. It’s one of the oldest biosphere reserves on the planet and the biggest European steppe protected territory. Local ecosystems have more than 500 species of higher plants and more than 3,000 species of animals. In 1984, UNESCO added Askania to […]

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Uzhhorod is a charming city in western Ukraine, nestled along the Uzh River and near the Slovakian border. Known for its rich history and diverse culture, it blends ancient traditions with modern vibes. The city's crown jewel is Uzhhorod Castle, a medieval fortress offering stunning views. Stroll through the cozy streets, admire historic architecture, and relax in quaint cafes. In spring, the city bursts into color with its famous cherry blossoms, creating a magical atmosphere that enchants every visitor.

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Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine and an important cultural, educational, and industrial center. It is located in the northeast of the country, near the Russian border. The city was founded in the 17th century and grew rapidly due to trade and industry. Today, Kharkiv is home to over a million residents and has a rich history.

One of the city’s main attractions is Freedom Square, one of the largest squares in Europe. Kharkiv also has many beautiful parks, such as Gorky Park and Shevchenko Park, where people enjoy walking, cycling, and relaxing. The city has impressive architecture, including Annunciation Cathedral, Derzhprom, and Mirror Stream.

Kharkiv is known for its strong education system, with top universities like V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University and Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute. Thousands of students from Ukraine and abroad come to study here. The city also has many museums, theaters, and art galleries, such as the Kharkiv Art Museum and Shevchenko Theater.

Kharkiv has a well-developed transport system, including a metro, buses, and trams. The Kharkiv Metro is the second-largest in Ukraine and helps thousands of people travel every day. The city is also a major industrial center, producing machinery, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.

Despite the challenges in recent years, Kharkiv continues to grow and develop. It remains a strong and resilient city with a bright future.

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The Desna is a majestic river in Ukraine, a right tributary of the Dnipro. It flows through the Chernihiv and Kyiv regions, impressing with its purity and calmness. Its banks are covered with dense forests and picturesque meadows, while sandy beaches attract vacationers.

The Desna holds great historical significance — during the times of Kyivan Rus, it served as an important trade route connecting northern lands with Kyiv. The ancient city of Chernihiv, known for its historical landmarks, lies along its shores.

Serene and grand, the Desna remains a symbol of natural beauty and harmony in Ukraine. by Solomianna Afina

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Ukraine is famous for many beautiful cities, but Lviv is a true gem that attracts attention with its history and cultural heritage. Located in the west of the country with a population of about 730 000 people, Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities in Ukraine. The city is known for its architectural heritage where Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic styles intertwine. Among the main landmarks are the Lviv Opera House, Market Square, the Dominican Cathedral and the high tower of the City Hall. Lviv is also famous for its coffeehouses, where you can try the famous Lviv chocolate and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the ancient streets.

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Mykolaiv is a city in southern Ukraine, founded in 1789 as a shipbuilding center. Located on the banks of the Southern Bug River, it remains a key industrial and port city. Mykolaiv has a rich maritime history, with shipyards, museums, and historical landmarks. It features parks, theaters, and a zoo, one of the largest in Ukraine. Despite wartime challenges, the city continues to develop and plays an important role in Ukraine’s economy and transportation.

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Ukraine is the largest country in Europe by area, located in Eastern Europe. It borders Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Belarus, and Russia. The capital city is Kyiv, which stands on the Dnipro River. Ukraine has a varied landscape with plains, forests, mountains (Carpathians), and a coastline along the Black Sea. The country has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. It also has many natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and natural gas.

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Kyiv is the capital and the largest city in Ukraine. It is located on the banks of the Dnipro River. It is the political, economic, and cultural, centre of Ukraine with a lot of monuments, historic places and wonderful landmarks, among them there are UNECSO heritage sights.

The most famous landmarks are Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Khreshchatyk Street, Sofiyivska Square, which are located in the centre of the city. These are the places where big events and celebrations take place. There are many historic places, shops, cafes and restaurants where you can taste delicious Ukrainian food.

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Odesa is a vibrant port city on the Black Sea in southern Ukraine, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. Founded in 1794, it features famous landmarks like the Potemkin Stairs, the Opera House, and Primorsky Boulevard. The city boasts beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and a unique underground catacomb network. Odesa is also famous for its multicultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it a top destination for travelers.