Kyiv is the historical, political, cultural, and scientific capital of Ukraine. Archeological discoveries around Kyiv date human habitation in the area to the Stone Age (40,000 to 10,000 B.C.). A settlement existed in some form as far back as the first century A.D.

Name. Legend has it that the city was founded by a prince of a Slavic tribe named Kyy (Кий) and his two younger brothers and sister. The name KHIB (KIH-yeev) is the possessive adjective form of the word KHH - literally, it means "of Kyy." For centuries, Kyiv has been called the golden-domed (Золотоворхий, zolotoverkhyy) city because of the numerous church cupolas covered with gold leaf.

Location. There's an old Ukrainian saying that all roads lead to Kyiv. Situated on the bank of the Dnipro River in north central Ukraine, the city is indeed a major road and rail junction and a port city. By highway, Kyiv is about 480 km (300 miles) from Odesa, 544 km (338 miles) from Lviv, and 487 km (302 miles) from Kharkiv.

Population and Language. Kyiv is Ukraine's most populous city, with 2.6 million residents. The city is growing rapidly, as well-educated, jobless young people from around the country move there for the greater opportunities it offers. A large percentage of Kyivites are not city natives. Although Ukrainians constitute 72.5 percent of the population and Russians only 21 percent, 81 percent of the residents are fluent in Ukrainian while 92 percent can speak Russian. Ukrainian literacy is expected to increase as more and more educational institutions are beginning to conduct classes in Ukrainian.

Climate. Summers are moderately warm, but usually not hot, with an average July temperature of 19.3°C (66.7'F) and an average July high of 22.7°C (73"F). Generally, air-conditioning is not missed. Winters are moderately cold, with the average January temperature -6°C (21°F). There's usually a snow cover from mid-November until the end of March. To check current weather conditions in Kyiv, go to Internet web site http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/Kiev_UR_f.htm.

Business and Industry. As the administrative center of its oblast and the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv has a great number of government workers. It's the seat of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences and has numerous research and educational institutions. It's rich with cultural and entertainment opportunities, from classical music, theater, and folk dance to a lively nightclub scene and sports.

The major economic activity is heavy industry, especially machine building and metalworking and the manufacture of chemicals and wood products. Electronics and printing are also important. Nevertheless Kyiv is a very green city, with an official count of 300 parks and gardens.