Country Profile: Ukraine

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, bordered by the Black Sea and neighboring several countries, including Poland and Russia. With a population estimated at over 35 million, it has rich agricultural resources, playing a significant role as a major wheat and corn exporter. As a semi-presidential republic, Ukraine has faced considerable challenges, particularly due to ongoing conflicts that have affected its economic stability and governance structures.

Geography

Ukraine is strategically located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, with a total area of 603,550 sq km, making it the second-largest country in Europe after Russia. The country's landscape features fertile plains (steppes) and plateaus, with the Carpathians located in the west and the Crimean Peninsula in the south. Ukraine's climate is temperate continental, influencing its agricultural output.

Area: 603,550 sq km
Land Boundaries: 5,581 km with countries including Poland and Russia
Coastline: 2,782 km along the Black Sea
Natural Resources: Includes iron ore, coal, and natural gas
Agricultural Land: 71.3% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)

People and Society

Ukraine's population is approximately 35.7 million as of 2024, with a diverse demographic makeup comprising 77.8% Ukrainians and 17.3% Russians. The country exhibits a significant urban population that constitutes around 70.1% of its total, with major cities like Kyiv and Kharkiv being densely populated. Ukrainian is the official language, while Russian is also widely spoken.

Total Population: 35,661,826 (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 70.5 years (2024 est.)
Urbanization Rate: 70.1% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 100% (2021)
Ethnic Groups: Ukrainian 77.8%, Russian 17.3% (2001 est.)

Economy

The Ukrainian economy is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, significantly impacted by the ongoing war, which caused a 30% GDP contraction initially. The country has seen a gradual recovery, supported by international aid and resilience in the service sector, which represents 60.6% of GDP. Ukraine is a key exporter of agricultural products, particularly grains.

GDP (Purchasing Power Parity): $577.583 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 2.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 9.9% (2021 est.)
Remittances: 6.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate: 6.5% (2024 est.)

Government

Ukraine operates as a semi-presidential republic, with a capital in Kyiv. The government structure includes an executive branch led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a unicameral legislature known as the Verkhovna Rada. Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, and continues to navigate complex political landscapes.

Government Type: Semi-presidential republic
Capital: Kyiv
Current President: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (since May 2019)
Legislature: Verkhovna Rada (450 members)
Next Scheduled Election: March 2024

Military and Security

Ukraine's Armed Forces consist of various branches, with the estimated strength ranging from 850,000 to 1 million active personnel as of 2025. Military expenditures have surged to 4% of GDP, reflecting the significant focus on defense, especially in light of ongoing conflicts with Russia.

Active Personnel: 850,000-1 million (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures: 30% of GDP (est. since 2022)
Military Service Age: 18 years for voluntary service; 25 years for conscription
Major Threats: Ongoing conflict with Russia since 2014
Military Equipment: Enhancement of inventory through international aid

Energy

Ukraine possesses a diverse energy portfolio, primarily relying on nuclear energy for 55% of its electricity production. The country has fully electrified its population and maintains a mix of sources for energy generation, including fossil fuels and renewables.

Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 57.856 million Btu (2023 est.)
Electricity Consumption: 89.402 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Nuclear Reactors: 15 operational (2025)
Fossil Fuels Contribution: 32.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 17.681 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Ukraine faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, land degradation, and the lingering effects of the Chornobyl disaster. The country is a party to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at mitigating these issues.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 106.847 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Agricultural Land: 71.3% of land (2023 est.)
Urban Population: 70.1% of total population (2023)
Natural Hazards: Occasional floods and droughts
Biodiversity Loss: Significant due to various factors including deforestation

Transportation

Ukraine maintains an extensive transportation network, including 152 airports and 21,733 km of railways, enhancing domestic connectivity. The country also has a solid maritime presence with 410 merchant ships supporting trade.

Airports: 152 (2025)
Merchant Marine: 410 ships (2023)
Railways: 21,733 km (2014)
Major Ports: Includes Odesa and Sevastopol
Heliports: 44 (2025)

Communications

Ukraine has a rapidly developing communications infrastructure, with 82% of its population using the internet. The country is characterized by a mix of public and private media, heavily influenced by oligarch-owned outlets.

Internet Users: 82% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 50.3 million (2023 est.)
Fixed-Line Subscriptions: 1.434 million (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 8.07 million (2023 est.)
Media Landscape: Dominated by oligarch-owned news outlets

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	35,661,826	2024 est.
Area	603,550 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$577.583 billion	2024 est.
Energy Consumption per Capita	57.856 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Birth Rate	6 births/1,000 population	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	9.9%	2021 est.
Life Expectancy at Birth	70.5 years	2024 est.
Military Expenditures	4% of GDP	2021 est.
Urban Population	70.1% of total population	2023
Literacy Rate	100%	2021