KYIV — THE CAPITAL OF UKRAINEKyiv, the capital of Ukraine, has the population of nearly three million inhabitants andcovers over 43 km from east to west and 42 km from north to south.According to the legend, Kyiv was founded by three brothers — Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv, — and their sister Lybid. The city was named after Kyi, the eldest brother. The monument erected in their honor stands on the bank of the River Dnipro.In the late 6th and early 7th centuries the first fortification appeared in the northern section of Old Kyiv Hill. While the court of the princes was located on the hills of Kyiv, the lower part of the city, known as Podil, developed into a busy trading district.With the establishment of Kyivan Rus' (the 9th century) , Kyiv became its capital.Prince Volodymyr the Great (980—1015) expanded the city. Kyivan Rus' was at its zenith under the rule of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (1036—1054). Monasteries were established and developed into centres of education. Close to 400 churches were built, the most famous of which, Saint Sofia's Cathedral (1037) , has survived to this day. The first library was founded on the grounds of the Cathedral.Today Kyiv is one of the greatest ancient European cities, rich with the monuments of art and architecture. It is a political, scientific, cultural, sports, and industrial centre of modern Ukraine.Kyiv is a major industrial centre that includes companies specializing in electronics, engineering, aviation, food, and chemical production, etc. Kyiv's economic development has been enriched by its advantageous location along the Dnipro River, which links Kyiv to the Black Sea.The city has many hotels, cafes, and restaurants with Ukrainian, European, American, and Eastern cuisine to accommodate tourists and business persons. Stadiums, tennis courts, swimming pools, and gyms are also available for you. If you visit Kyiv in late May, you will witness a beautiful festival — "The Days of Kyiv".
