Country Profile: Ukraine

Ukraine, located in Eastern Europe, is bordered by the Black Sea and several countries including Poland and Russia. It has a population of approximately 35.7 million people and is renowned for its rich agricultural resources, earning the nickname "breadbasket" of Europe. The country operates as a semi-presidential republic, with governance marked by ongoing efforts to counter corruption and navigate the challenges posed by military conflict, particularly following the Russian invasion in 2022 which has significantly impacted its economy and populace.

Geography

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, with a total area of 603,550 sq km. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes fertile plains, the mountainous regions of the Carpathians in the west, and a temperate continental climate, especially in the interior regions. The country has substantial natural resources, including iron ore, coal, and arable land which accounts for 71.3% of its land use.

Area: 603,550 sq km (approximately four times the size of Georgia).
Land boundaries: Total of 5,581 km shared with Belarus, Poland, and Russia among others.
Climate: Temperate continental, with the highest precipitation in the west and north.

People and Society

Ukraine has an estimated population of 35,661,826 (2024), predominantly Ukrainian (77.8%) with significant Russian and other ethnic minorities. The country is characterized by a literacy rate of 100% and an urbanization rate of 70.1%, reflecting a high concentration of people in major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. The society is predominantly Christian, with a significant Orthodox population.

Population: 35,661,826 (2024 est.).
Median age: 44.6 years (2024 est.).
Birth rate: 6.24 births/1,000 population (2025 est.).

Economy

Ukraine's economy is classified as lower-middle-income and is a key exporter of agricultural products, particularly wheat and corn. Following a severe contraction due to war, the economy is showing signs of recovery, with a projected GDP growth of 2.9% in 2024. The country faces challenges with corruption but has made progress in economic reforms supported by international aid.

GDP (PPP): $577.583 billion (2024 est.).
Unemployment rate: 9.9% (2021 est.).
Exports: $56.114 billion (2024 est.).

Government

Ukraine functions as a semi-presidential republic, with a president and a parliament (Verkhovna Rada). It has experienced significant political turmoil and conflict, especially since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, and thus operates under martial law in many regions. The current president is Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, who came to power in 2019.

Capital: Kyiv.
Independence: Declared on 24 August 1991.
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years of age.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Ukraine, which include ground, naval, and air forces, are estimated to have between 850,000 and 1 million personnel. The military's primary focus is on defending against Russian aggression, particularly following the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022.

Military expenditures: Over 30% of GDP (2022 est.).
Service age: Voluntary service begins at 18 years for both genders; conscription at 25 for men.
Active Defense Forces: Estimated 850,000-1 million personnel (2025).

Energy

Ukraine's energy sector is diverse, primarily utilizing nuclear power, which accounts for 55% of electricity production. The country has made strides in increasing electricity access, reaching 100% in 2022, while facing challenges from ongoing military conflict impacting infrastructure.

Electricity consumption: 89.402 billion kWh (2023 est.).
Installed capacity: 60.297 million kW (2023 est.).
Coal production: 19.603 million metric tons (2023 est.).

Environment

Ukraine faces several environmental issues, including air and water pollution, solid waste management, and radiation contamination from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. It is also a party to multiple international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change.

Total water resources: 175.28 billion cubic meters (2022 est.).
Carbon dioxide emissions: 106.847 million metric tonnes (2023 est.).

Transportation

Ukraine's transportation network includes 152 airports and an extensive rail system approximately 21,733 km long. The country has a well-developed merchant marine fleet and continues to modernize its transport infrastructure despite ongoing conflict.

Ports: 26 total (2024).
Railways: 21,733 km (2014).
Airports: 152 (2025).

Communications

The communication infrastructure in Ukraine includes approximately 50.3 million mobile cellular subscriptions, reflecting a penetration rate of 135 per 100 inhabitants. The internet usage stands at about 82% of the population.

Internet users: 82% (2023 est.).
Broadband subscriptions: 8.07 million (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	35,661,826 (2024 est.)
Area	603,550 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$577.583 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	9.9% (2021 est.)
Birth Rate	6.24 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Inflation Rate	6.5% (2024 est.)	Consumer prices
Energy Consumption per Capita	57.856 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity Access	100% (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures	30% of GDP (2022 est.)	Increased due to war
Total Renewable Water Resources	175.28 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)