Template:Infobox Kiev Kiev, also written as Kyiv (Ukrainian: Audio file "Kyiv.ogg" not found; Russian: Ки́ев, Kiyev^ⓘ; see also Cities' alternative names) is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper river. As of 2005, Kiev officially had 2,660,401 inhabitants, although the large number of unregistered migrants would probably raise this figure to about three million. Administratively, Kiev is a national-level subordinated municipality, independent from surrounding Kiev Oblast. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural center of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions, world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including a Kiev Metro system.

During its history, Kiev, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. The city is considered to have been founded in the fifth century as a trading post in the land of Early East Slavs. It gradually acquired eminence as the center of the East Slavic civilization, becoming in the tenth to twelfth centuries a political and cultural capital of Rus', a medieval East Slavic state. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories controlled by its powerful neighbors: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and, finally, Russia. The city prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century. After the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution of 1917, from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important city of Soviet Ukraine, and, since 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city was destroyed again, almost completely, but quickly recovered in the post-war years becoming the third most important city of the USSR.

It now remains the capital of Ukraine, independent since 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Geography and climate

Kiev is located on both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city towards the Black Sea. Its geographic co-ordinates are 50°27′N 30°30′E / 50.450°N 30.500°E / 50.450; 30.500. Geographically, Kiev belongs to the Polesia ecological zone (a part of the European mixed woods). However, the city's unique landscape distinguishes it from the surrounding region. The older right-bank (western) part of Kiev is represented by numerous woody hills, ravines and small rivers (now mostly lost due to urbanization). It is a part of the larger Prydniprovska (near-Dnieper) upland adjoining the western bank of the Dnieper. The city expanded to the Dnieper's left-bank (to the east) only in the 20th century. Significant areas of the Dnieper valley were artificially sand-deposited, and are protected by dams.

The river forms a branching system of tributaries, isles and harbors within city limits. The city is adjoined by the mouth of the Desna River and the Kiev Reservoir in the north, and the Kaniv Reservoir in the south. Both the Dnieper and Desna rivers are navigable at Kiev, although regulated by the reservoir shipping locks and limited by winter freeze-over.

Kiev's climate is continental humid, although it has changed significantly during recent decades due to global climate changes.

History

Kiev is one of the most ancient and important cities of the region, the center of the Rus' civilization, survivor of numerous wars, purges, and genocides. Many historical and architectural landmarks are preserved or reconstructed in the city, which is thought to have existed as early as the fifth century. With the exact time of city foundation being hard to determine, May 1982 was chosen to celebrate the city's 1,500th anniversary. During the eighth and ninth centuries Kiev was an outpost of the Khazar empire. Starting from some point during the late ninth or early tenth century, Kiev was ruled by the Varangian nobility and became the nucleus of the Rus' polity, which became known as Kievan Rus' during the Golden Age of Kiev. In 1240 Kiev was completely destroyed by the Mongol hordes of Batu Khan, an event that had a profound effect on the future of the city and the East Slavic civilization. From 1362, the area with largely diminished city, became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and from 1569 a part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as a capital of Kijów Voivodship, transferred by then to the Polish Crown.

In the 17th century it fell under the Muscovite Russia (later Russian Empire), where for some time it remained a provincial town of marginal importance. Kiev prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late nineteenth century. In the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution Kiev was caught in the middle of several conflicts: the Second World War, the Russian Civil War, and the Polish-Soviet War. Amidst these chaotic years, Kiev became the capital of several short-lived Ukrainian states and from 1921 the city was part of the Soviet Union, and since 1934 the capital of Soviet Ukraine. In World War II, the city was destroyed again, almost completely, but quickly recovered in the post-war years becoming the third most important city of the Soviet Union, the capital of the second largest Soviet republic. It now remains the capital of Ukraine, independent since 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Local government

Kiev City Council (Ukrainian: Київрада; Kyivrada) is the highest representative body of the city community. The members of city council are directly elected by Kievans and the council is chaired by the Mayor of Kiev. For details see Kyivrada.

Subdivisions of Kiev

Administratively, the city is divided into raions, which have their own units of central and local government with jurisdiction over a limited scope of affairs. There are 10 raions presently. For details on administration, see Legal status and local government of Kiev.

Besides these, Kiev is informally divided into historical neighborhoods, each housing from 5,000 to 100,000 people.

The natural first level of subdivision of the city is into the Right Bank and the Left Bank of the Dnieper. The Right Bank, located on the west side of the river, contains the older portions of the city.

Modern Kiev

Like many other large cities of the former Soviet Union, modern Kiev is a mix of the old and the new, seen in everything from the buildings to the stores and to the people themselves. Experiencing a fast growth rate between the 1970s and the mid-'90s, the city has continued its consistent growth after the turn of the millennium. As a result, Kiev's "downtown" is a dotted picture of new, modern buildings (known as novostroika) amongst the pale yellows, blues and grays of the older apartments. Urban sprawl has been gradually reducing while population densities of suburbs started increasing. Today, it is rather popular to own a novostroika in Kharkivskyi Raion, Troyeshchyna, or Obolon along the Dnieper, around Khreschatyk, as well as in Pechersk or other better-established areas.

With Ukrainian independence on the turn of the millennium, other changes came. Western-style novostroikas, hip nightclubs, classy restaurants and prestigious hotels opened in the center. Music from Europe and North America started rising on Ukrainian music charts. And most importantly, with the easing of the visa rules in 2005, Ukraine is positioning itself as a prime tourist attraction, with Kiev, among the other large cities, looking to profit from the new opportunities. The center of Kiev has been cleaned up and buildings have been restored and redecorated, especially Khreschatyk street and the Independence Square. Many historic areas of Kiev, such as Andryivskyi Uzviz, have become popular street vendor locations, where one can find traditional Ukrainian art, religious items, books, game sets (most commonly chess) as well as jewelry for sale.

Structures

Transportation

Local transportation

Since Soviet times, the publicly owned and operated Kiev Metro system remains the fastest, the most convenient and affordable network that covers most, but not all, of the city. The metro is permanently expanding towards the city limits to cover the growing demand,while the other kinds of once public-only city transport have suffered the partial collapse. In particular, the public bus service operates worn-out units and fails to maintain schedules. Public electric trolley bus and tram lines are more reliable but also technically obsolete and underfunded. The trams (once a main and densely-developed kind of transport) are now being gradually phased out.

One unusual mode of public transportation Kiev has is a funicular, that climbs on the steep right bank of the Dnieper River.

All public road transport in Kiev is operated by the united Kyivpastrans municipal company. It is utterly unprofitable because large groups of passengers (pensioners etc.) are granted free service on its lines. So operational costs of the company are mostly subsidized by city community.

A simple distance-regardless tariffs system exists in Kiev’s public transport: the tickets are bought for each entrance into vehicle. Unlike many cities of the world, no discounts (for multi-rides tickets or definite time) available.

With such problems in the public sector, private investors have seen room for profit. The marshrutkas (private minibuses) have become the next most popular method of transportation after Metro. Marshrutkas provide a good coverage of the smaller residential streets and have routes that are convenient for the residents. Being around 3 times more expensive than public transport, they are also faster and more available, although with an increased frequency of accidents.

The Taxi market in Kiev is intensive but poorly regulated. It is quite common for a local with a car (or even people from other parts of Ukraine) to act as a taxi driver unofficially, although organized private companies have increased competition dramatically. The traffic jams and lack of parking space are the growing problems for taxi service in Kiev, and vice versa.

Railways

Railways are Kiev’s main kind of outer transport connection. The city has a developed railroad infrastructure including 6 major train stations, depots, repairing facilities etc. However, this system still fails to meet the demand for passenger service. Particularly, the Kiev Passenger Railway Station is city's only long-distance vokzal (passenger terminal). There is construction underway for a new Darnytsia Vokzal on the left-bank part of Kiev, which may ease the tension of the central station. Bridges over the Dnieper River are another problem restricting the development of city’s railway system. Presently, only one of two rail bridges is available for an intense train traffic. So construction of the new combined rail-auto bridge is a part of Darnytsia project.

Air

Passenger airlink to Kiev can be made through two of its airports: the Boryspil International Airport, which is served by the most major international airlines from all parts of the world, and a smaller Zhulyany Airport mostly serving local flights. There is also a cargo airport in Kiev’s north-western suburb of Gostomel. The international passenger terminal at Boryspil is quite small, yet modern. There is a separate terminal for domestic flights within walking distance. Passengers traveling to other cities within Ukraine by air must connect at Boryspil in most cases. The only other airport in Ukraine with international passenger access is Odessa, and connections there are limited.

Generally, Kiev is one of the centers of world aviation industry. But low demand for passenger lines limits the influence of such a legacy on the city’s own transportation.

Attractions

It is said that one can walk from one end of Kiev to the other in the summertime without leaving the shade of its many trees. Most characteristic are the horse-chestnuts (Ukrainian: каштани, "kashtany").

Kiev is known as a green city, with two botanical gardens and numerous large and small parks. Notable among these are the World War Two Museum, which offers both indoor and outdoor displays of military history and equipment surrounded by verdant hills overlooking the Dnieper river; the Hidropark, located on an island in the river and accessible by metro or by car, in which an amusement park, swimming beaches, and boat rentals can be found; and Victory Park, a popular destination for strollers, joggers, and cyclists.

Boating, fishing, and water sports are popular pastimes. Since the lakes and rivers freeze over in the winter, ice fishermen are frequently seen, as are children with their ice skates. However, the peak of summer is when masses of people can be seen on the shores, swimming or sunbathing, with daytime high temperatures sometimes reaching 30 to 34 °C.

Kiev's noteworthy architecture includes government buildings such as the Mariyinsky Palace (designed and constructed from 1745 to 1752, then reconstructed in 1870) and the sweeping Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, several Orthodox churches and church complexes such as the Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Michael's Cathedral, St. Andrew's, and St. Vladimir's, the recently reconstructed Golden Gate, and others such as a nineteenth-century Lutheran church.

The cylindrical Salut hotel, located across from Glory Square and an eternal flame at the WWII Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is one of Kiev's most recognized landmarks. Its windows command views in all directions from one of the highest points in the city.

Among Kiev's best-known public monuments are Mikhail Mikeshin's statue of Bohdan Khmel'nyts'kyi astride his horse up the hill from Independence Square and the venerated Volodymyr the Great, baptizer of Rus, overlooking the river above Podil.

The Center of Kiev (Independence Square and Khreschatyk Street) becomes a large outdoor party place at night during summer months, with thousands of people having good time in nearby restaurants, clubs and outdoor cafes.

Wide varieties of farming products are available in many of Kiev's farmer markets with the Besarabsky Market located in the very center of the city being the most famous one. Each residential region has its own market, or rynok. Here one will find table after table of individuals hawking everything imaginable: vegetables, fresh and smoked meats, fish, cheese, honey, dairy products such as milk and home-made smetana (sour cream), caviar, cut flowers, housewares, tools and hardware, and clothing. Each of the markets has its own unique mix of products. There is a popular book market by the Petrivka metro station.

Not so far outside of Kiev, near the village, there is a skansen museum, officially called Open-Air museum of Folk Architecture and Ethnography Ukraine. It has an area of 1.5 square kilometres. On this terrain, multiple "mini-villages" that represent the traditional countryside architecture of various regions of Ukraine are build.

Views of Kiev

KIEV FROM ABOVE. Photos of the city center.

Universities

Kiev is home to several universities, the major ones being Kiev National Taras Shevchenko University, the National Technical University "Kiev Polytechnic Institute", and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The total number of institutions of higher education in Kiev approaches 200 [1], allowing young people to pursue almost any line of study.

While education remains largely in the hands of the state, private institutions are on the rise. Among private higher education institutions that are gaining popularity and reputation are the Kyiv International University and the European University.

Kiev or Kyiv?

Kiev is the traditional English name for the city, but the Ukrainianized version Kyiv is gaining usage. The earliest known English-language reference is to Kiovia, in English traveller Joseph Marshall's book Travels (London, 1772).

The name Kiev was used in print as early as 1823 in the English travelogue New Russia: Journey from Riga to the Crimea by way of Kiev, by Mary Holderness. By 1883, the Oxford English Dictionary included Kiev in a quotation. This name was established on the basis of Russian orthography and pronunciation [ˈkijef], during a time when Kiev was a city in a governorate of the Russian Empire. Ukrainian was considered a language of the village, and attempts to introduce it as a literary language were suppressed (see Ems Ukaz).

The spelling Kyiv, romanized version of the Ukrainian name for the city [ˈkɪjiw], has been used in English-language publications of the Ukrainian diaspora and in some academic publications concerning Ukraine during much of the twentieth century. Newly-independent Ukraine declared Ukrainian its official language after 1991, and introduced a national Latin-alphabet standard for geographic names in 1995, establishing the use of the spelling Kyiv in official documents since October 1995. The spelling is used by the United Nations, NATO, some foreign diplomatic missions and a number of media organizations, notably in Canada. The alternate romanizations Kyyiv (BGN/PCGN transliteration) and Kyjiv (scholarly) are also in use alongside Kiev in English-language atlases.

Incidentally, Kyiv and Kiev reflect the divergence of the Ukrainian and Russian languages from the single Old East Slavic form *Kijevъ (spelled Києвъ or Кієвъ).

Some proponents of the spelling Kyiv take exception with the use of Kiev as reflecting imposed Russification in Ukraine, and consider it inappropriate since the country's independence in 1991.

References

See also

• Rulers of Kievan Rus'

External links

• Kiev.info, Kiev city guide
• Kyiv Post, English Newspaper
• Kyiv sites catalogue
• Pictorial tour of Kiev's WW2 era battlegrounds
• Kiev and Ukraine Travel Guide
• Kiev or Kyiv? Resolution of the Ukrainian commission for legal terminology
• Kiev or Kyiv? Turin or Torino?—CBC News article about use of city names
• Template:Uk icon Kyiv Encyclopedia
• Template:Uk icon Map of Kiev browsable and searchable by address
• Template:Uk icon Environment pollution in Kiev
• Template:Ru icon Kiev at Free-and-easy travel in Ukraine

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