Westukraine

West Ukraine refers to the western portion of the modern state of Ukraine. It encompasses the historic regions of Galicia (Halychyna) and Volhynia (Volyn), as well as parts of Bukovina and Transcarpathia. The area is defined by the Carpathian Mountains in the west, the Dniester and Prut river basins, and a mix of plains and foothills.

Major cities include Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Lutsk, Rivne, Chernivtsi, and Uzhhorod. Lviv is a cultural and historical center; Chernivtsi is renowned for its university and architecture; Uzhhorod sits near borders with several neighboring countries. The region is known for its diverse architectural styles, religious monuments, and vibrant folk traditions, including Carpathian mountain cultures such as the Hutsuls.

Historically, the western lands have shifted between local principalities and larger states, including the Kingdom of Poland, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Soviet Union. After World War II, borders moved most western territories into the Ukrainian SSR, and since 1991 they have been part of independent Ukraine. The region has long been influenced by Ukrainian, Polish, Romanian, Hungarian, and Jewish communities, which is reflected in its multilingual heritage, cuisine, and festivals.

The economy relies on agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, with tourism playing an expanding role in the Carpathian towns and ski resorts. The area hosts UNESCO-listed historic centers and is a major destination for cultural tourism, education, and cross-border trade with the European Union.

Demographically, Ukrainians form the majority; minorities include Poles, Romanians, Hungarians, and Rusyns. Ukrainian is the dominant language, with minority languages used in local contexts where communities are present.