Kiev

Kiev, also spelled Kyiv, is the capital and largest city of Ukraine. It lies in north-central Ukraine along the Dnieper River and serves as a major political, cultural, and economic center. The area has a long history, with evidence of settlements dating back to at least the 5th century, and it developed as a key center of Kyivan Rus, a medieval federation that helped shape East Slavic culture.

Over the centuries Kiev came under the rule of different powers, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lrench Commonwealth, and the Russian Empire. It grew into an important industrial, educational, and cultural hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the Soviet era, Kyiv was a central city within the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and in 1991 it became the capital of independent Ukraine.

Today Kyiv is the political heart of Ukraine, housing the presidency, the Verkhovna Rada (parliament), and numerous government institutions. It is also a major educational and cultural center, home to universities, theaters, museums, and media outlets. The city is known for its distinctive hills along the Dnieper, broad boulevards, and a historical core that includes the Old Town and riverside districts.

Notable landmarks include Saint Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the Golden Gate, Independence Square, and the Andriyivskyy Descent. Kyiv hosts two international airports, Boryspil and Zhuliany, and a comprehensive rail and road network. The climate is temperate continental, with cold winters and warm summers.