Kyiv

Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, located in the north-central part of the country along the Dnieper River. It serves as the political, economic, scientific, and cultural center of Ukraine.

The name Kyiv derives from uncertain origins, with traditional ties to a legendary founder named Kyi and other theories related to the river region.

Kyiv rose as the capital of Kyivan Rus' in the 9th century. It later came under Polish-Lithuanian and Russian rule and became part of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic before Ukraine's independence in 1991. The city also played a central role in recent political movements, including the Euromaidan protests of 2013–14.

Kyiv is a major economic and educational center, hosting government institutions and universities such as Taras Shevchenko National University and Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. The city has a growing information technology sector and sizable service industries.

Notable landmarks include Saint Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, Independence Square, the National Opera, and the Motherland Monument. Districts such as Podil and Pechersk reflect Kyiv's architectural heritage, with a mix of historic churches, boulevards, and modern buildings.

The city lies on the Dnieper and has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Kyiv is served by the Kyiv Metro (three lines), as well as buses and trams. International flights are handled by Boryspil International Airport, with Zhuliany serving regional traffic.