Kievs

Kievs is not a standard term in contemporary geography. It most often refers to Kyiv, the capital and largest city of Ukraine. In English, the city was commonly written Kiev (from Russian) but Ukrainian sources now prefer Kyiv. The habitual plural form Kievs is uncommon; residents are usually called Kyivans or Kyivers, while the older term Kievans is still seen in historical contexts.

Kyiv is located in north-central Ukraine on the Dnieper River. It is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country and the administrative center of Kyiv Oblast, though it is a city with a special status separate from the surrounding region.

Kyiv has a long and influential history. It emerged as a settlement in the early medieval period and became the capital of the Kievan Rus, a major East Slavic state, between the 10th and 12th centuries. The city flourished as a trading hub on the route between the Baltic and Black Seas. It was later controlled by powers such as the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union. Ukraine’s independence in 1991 elevated Kyiv to the national capital and seat of government.

Population and language: before the 2022 invasion, Kyiv had about 2.8 to 2.9 million residents, making it the most populous city in Ukraine. Ukrainian is the official language; Russian is also widely used, with English increasingly common in business and education.

Cultural and landmarks: Kyiv hosts UNESCO-listed Saint Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Independence Square, the National Opera, and Andriyivskyy Descent. The economy emphasizes services, education, and information technology. Transport includes the Boryspil International Airport, a expansive metro system, and a major rail network.