Statistics (as provided by The World Factbook)
Ethnic Groups:
Ukrainian 77.8% Russian 17.3% Belarusian 0.6% Moldovan 0.5% Crimean Tatar 0.5% Bulgarian 0.4% Hungarian 0.3% Romanian 0.3% Polish 0.3% Jewish 0.2% other 1.8% (2001 census) |
Religions:
Ukrainian Orthodox - Kyiv Patriarchate 50.4% Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate 26.1% Ukrainian Greek Catholic 8%, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox 7.2% Roman Catholic 2.2% Protestant 2.2% Jewish 0.6% other 3.2% (2006 est.) |
Median Age:
Total: 40.1 years Male: 36.9 years Female: 43.3 years (2012 est.) Urbanization: Urban population: 69% of total population (2010) Rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.) |
Literacy:
Definition: Age 15 and over can read and write. Total population: 99.7% Male: 99.8% Female: 99.6% (2010 est.) School Life Expectancy: Total: 15 years Male: 14 years Female: 15 years (2008) |
Change over time
Based on the data provided in the graphs below, since declaring independence in 1991 the people of Ukraine seem to be living longer. Life expectancy has held steadily at 68 years of age and the infant mortality rate has continued its steady decline. This may be a result of better sanitation conditions, possibly even better healthcare or government aid. However, the employment rate remains dismal; less than 60% of the population aged 15 years and over are employed. The poverty level is not much better, especially since so many people are crowded in urban areas. So, while people are living longer, it may not be a well funded life. However, it does appear the situation is slowly improving; the employment rate has been steadily increasing since 1999, although it has not fully recovered to its original position in of 59% in 1991.
Ukrainian Culture Slideshow
Informational Websites
To learn about Ukraine from a traveler's point of view visit: http://ukrainetrek.com/
To view Ukraine as it is today visit: http://www.kyivpost.com/
To view Ukraine as it is today visit: http://www.kyivpost.com/
Tourist Map
Major Religions of Ukraine
The major religions of Ukraine are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Christianity was introduced to the area in the late 9th century after Aksold and Dir, the two princes of Kyivan Rus, were baptized in the holy city of Constantinople, Byzantium. Christianity slowly spread through the area as Rus nobility converted and began to convert their subjects. It was Volodymyr of Kyiv who ultimately made Christianity the lasting state religion ("A historical overview," 2007). During the same period, Jewish refugees fleeing from the Byzantium, Persia, and Mesopotamia regions settled in the Khazar Kingdom which occupied present day Poland. Royalty and soon subjects of the kingdom converted to Judaism. Over the next several centuries Jews continued to migrate to Poland. “By the end of the 15th century, between 20,000 and 30,000 Jews were living in 60 communities throughout Poland-Lithuania…Ukraine became the center of Jewish life in Poland-Lithuania” ("Virtual Jewish history," 2013). In the middle of 15th century, Islam was introduced to Ukraine when the Crimean Tatar Khanate was established there. It was later to be reduced to a vassal state of the Ottoman Empire. However, archeological evidence suggests the first Muslim peoples to roam the area of present-day Ukraine were steppe people (RISU, 2013).
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Even though modern day Ukraine has the “third-largest Jewish community in Europe and the fifth-largest Jewish community in the world” (RISU, 2013), the Jewish and Islam communities combines represent less than 1% of the Ukrainian population. Today Christianity is the major religion representing 97% of the registered religious communities. The Christian community is separated into three major denominations; half of them are Orthodox, the other half is split between Catholics and Protestants. The three biggest churches with the largest number of registered communities are the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, respectively (RISU, 2013). Christian practices, places of worship, and religious art dominate the culture of Ukraine. Most of the churches and statues are dedicated to Christian figures, including nobility and rulers of the faith.
While there are many Muslim mosques, Christian churches, and Jewish synagogues located throughout Ukraine, there are no sacred or holy places associated with these religions located within the Ukrainian border. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all stem from Abraham who was the first to offer the idea of monotheism, the belief in one true God. For these reason they share many of the same sacred or holy places. Many of these sacred places are located in Israel, specifically Jerusalem. This land is sacred to Christians as it is the site of the first Christian Church. It is also the site of the first Jewish temple of which only one wall is left, now called the Wailing Wall. Because Christians, Jews, and Muslims pray to the same God, Muslims prayed in the direction of Jerusalem during the time Mecca was a pagan stronghold.
The major religions of Ukraine have affected and been affected by government. The Jewish and Islam communities have met much prosecution throughout Ukraine’s history. During World Wars I and II many of Jewish and Muslim people were forced to flee the country. While under the control of Stalin many Muslims and Crimean Tatars were accused of being Nazi collaborators and almost 190,000 people were deported to other lands of the Soviet Union. Also, during World War II, as part of the Holocaust, over half the Jewish population in Ukraine were murdered. However, Christians were not exempt from persecution during this period. Once the Bolsheviks ceased control over the Russian Empire which included Ukraine, they declared war on religion, Christianity specifically. “Mass closures and destruction of churches began, accompanied by executions of clergy and Christian followers” ("A historical overview," 2007). The churches were reformed during World War II, but were quickly driven underground after the war ended. After World War II, the communist authorities discontinued the destruction of churches and murdering of clergy, but still despised the religion and continued to arrest and imprison religious activists. Such persecution did not end until Ukraine declared its independence in 1991. Today religion remains politicized, as different churches endorse different government leaders ("A historical overview," 2007).
While there are many Muslim mosques, Christian churches, and Jewish synagogues located throughout Ukraine, there are no sacred or holy places associated with these religions located within the Ukrainian border. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all stem from Abraham who was the first to offer the idea of monotheism, the belief in one true God. For these reason they share many of the same sacred or holy places. Many of these sacred places are located in Israel, specifically Jerusalem. This land is sacred to Christians as it is the site of the first Christian Church. It is also the site of the first Jewish temple of which only one wall is left, now called the Wailing Wall. Because Christians, Jews, and Muslims pray to the same God, Muslims prayed in the direction of Jerusalem during the time Mecca was a pagan stronghold.
The major religions of Ukraine have affected and been affected by government. The Jewish and Islam communities have met much prosecution throughout Ukraine’s history. During World Wars I and II many of Jewish and Muslim people were forced to flee the country. While under the control of Stalin many Muslims and Crimean Tatars were accused of being Nazi collaborators and almost 190,000 people were deported to other lands of the Soviet Union. Also, during World War II, as part of the Holocaust, over half the Jewish population in Ukraine were murdered. However, Christians were not exempt from persecution during this period. Once the Bolsheviks ceased control over the Russian Empire which included Ukraine, they declared war on religion, Christianity specifically. “Mass closures and destruction of churches began, accompanied by executions of clergy and Christian followers” ("A historical overview," 2007). The churches were reformed during World War II, but were quickly driven underground after the war ended. After World War II, the communist authorities discontinued the destruction of churches and murdering of clergy, but still despised the religion and continued to arrest and imprison religious activists. Such persecution did not end until Ukraine declared its independence in 1991. Today religion remains politicized, as different churches endorse different government leaders ("A historical overview," 2007).
Traditional Ukrainian Cuisine
Looking at Ukraine's development history, it is not hard to imagine that the country's culture and cuisine has had many outside influences. Traditional Ukrainian cuisine has notable influence from Poland, Turkey, Hungary, and Russia, just to name a few. Many of the staple foods in Ukrainian cuisine are products of a rich agricultural heritage. Some of the main staples include potatoes, cabbage, beetroot, mushrooms, wheat, rye, oats, millet, and a variety of meats and sausages ("History of ukrainian," 2013). Most of the Ukraine's traditional cuisine was created in the 19th century and developed over time. Many of the dishes were intended to be lasting both on shelves and in the belly. Creams and starches are very common in Ukrainian meals, giving them richness and sustenance to help people through the harsh winters. While Ukraine has thousands of traditional dishes, there are a few that have spread across the globe and become well known. Dishes such as borsch (a type of beat soup), salo (flavored pork fatback), varenyky (a sweet or savory filled dumpling), and chicken kyiv (garlic butter filled breaded chicken breast), just to name a few, are quite popular in and out of Ukraine. These dishes began as simple dishes made from the food sources available, and varied region to region. They were cheap and easy to make and store through the winter. Today these dishes have evolved to include different flavor combinations and are available in wide variety of locals.
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Ukrainian food tradition is also influenced by the country's large Christian population. There are many ritual foods, but the most notable are the foods prepared for the religious holidays of Christmas and Easter. While there are specific food prepared for consumption during these rituals there are also foods that are prepared for symbolism. It is worth noting that many of these traditions and rituals date back to the pre-Christian pagan culture, which paid homage to nature for bountiful harvests. For example, the tradition of painted eggs for Easter originated from a pagan ritual which believed that by painting an egg (symbol of birth) with specific symbols gave it magical powers to that would ward off evil spirits, bring a person good luck, and guarantee a successful harvest. When the country converted to the Christian faith, it adapted this tradition to symbolize the rebirth of Jesus. Ukrainian Easter eggs, called pysanky, are much more decorative and ornate than the American Easter eggs we are used to seeing and creating. Another important Ukrainian ritual food is the kolach, or Christmas bread. This bread is braiding into a ring. Three rings are placed one on top of the other in the center of the table and a candle is placed is in the center of the top ring. The three rings symbolize the Holy Trinity, while the circular form symbolizes eternity.
Following are some websites to learn more about traditional Ukrainian foods and dishes, as well as, how to make them.
Following are some websites to learn more about traditional Ukrainian foods and dishes, as well as, how to make them.