#41 in world Europe UN member

Ukraine

Kyiv Europe Eastern Europe

Ukraine is a major Eastern European nation known for its vast agricultural steppes and strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia. Current estimates place the population at approximately 38 million people, with a projected GDP per capita of around 5,700 USD.

Where is Ukraine?

Ukraine

Continent
Europe
Country
Ukraine
Coordinates
49.00°, 32.00°

Population Details

Population
38M
Area
603,550 km²
Density per km²
63 / km²
Growth rate
+0.34%
Annual growth
+128.5K people
Daily growth
+351.95 people
World population share
0.47%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 43M Latest 38M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Ukraine

Age Distribution

0-14 years 5.3M
15-64 years 26M
65+ years 7.2M

Urbanization

69.5% Urban
27M
Urban 27M
Rural 12M

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +1%
74.7 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -58%
0.99 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -59%
7.6 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +22%
99.4 % of adults
World avg: 81.7 % of adults
Internet Users +14%
82.5 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Kyiv
Region
Europe
Area
603,550 km²
Languages
Ukrainian
Currency
Ukrainian hryvnia (₴)
Timezones
UTC+02:00
UN Member
Yes

Economy

The economy is historically anchored by its massive agricultural output and heavy industrial sectors, such as steel and mining. Recent data shows a GDP growth rate of 2.9% and a GDP per capita of 5,708 USD, which ranks global 133 of 212 and regional (Europe) 46 of 46. The latest ranking for total GDP places the nation global 57 of 212 and regional (Europe) 22 of 46. While the unemployment rate was last recorded at 9.83%, ranking global 39 of 186, the country continues to leverage its rich natural resources including iron ore and natural gas.

Society

Ukraine boasts an exceptionally high literacy rate of 99.4%, which ranks global 20 of 170 according to the latest data. Life expectancy at birth is approximately 74.7 years, placing the country global 108 of 215 in recent global comparisons. Digital connectivity is also significant, with internet users accounting for 82.5% of the population, a figure that currently ranks global 96 of 212. These indicators reflect a society with strong foundational education and a growing adoption of modern technology despite regional challenges.

Climate & Environment

Ukraine features a primarily temperate continental climate, with more Mediterranean characteristics found along the southern coast. The vast central plains experience warm summers and cold winters, providing ideal conditions for the country's extensive agricultural production and grain cultivation.

Government & Politics

Government Type
semi-presidential republic
Independence
1991-08-24 (Soviet Union)

Ukraine is a semi-presidential republic where executive power is divided between a president and a prime minister. The president, elected by popular vote to a five-year term, serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief, holding authority over foreign policy and national defense. The prime minister acts as the head of government, overseeing the Cabinet of Ministers and domestic administration. Legislative power resides in the Verkhovna Rada, a unicameral parliament with 450 seats. The political system is characterized by a multi-party structure, and the judiciary is designed to be independent, though it continues to undergo reforms to align with international standards. Since regaining independence from the Soviet Union on 24 August 1991, the government has transitioned through several constitutional frameworks to balance the powers of the executive and legislative branches. Kyiv serves as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

History

The history of Ukraine finds its origins in the medieval state of Kyivan Rus, which flourished as a major European power between the 9th and 13th centuries. Following the Mongol invasion, the territory was partitioned and influenced by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Ottoman Empire. By the 18th century, much of the region fell under the control of the Russian Empire. Ukraine experienced a brief period of independence starting in 1917 before being incorporated into the Soviet Union. The 20th century was marked by immense trials, including the Holodomor famine of the 1930s and the profound destruction of World War II. On 24 August 1991, Ukraine declared full independence during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since then, the nation has pursued a path of democratic development and European integration. This journey was highlighted by the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, both of which reflected the public desire for transparent governance and closer ties with the West. In recent years, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable national unity while navigating significant geopolitical challenges and defending its sovereignty.

Notable Facts

  • Ukraine is the largest country situated entirely within the European continent, covering an area of 603,550 km² (233,032 sq mi).
  • The nation maintains one of the highest literacy rates in the world, recorded at 99.43% according to official 2001 data, ranking 20 globally.
  • The highest point in the country is Hora Hoverla in the Carpathian Mountains, which reaches an elevation of 2,061 m (6,762 ft).
  • Ukraine is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Saint Sophia Cathedral and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the capital city.
  • Approximately 69.5% of the population lives in urban areas, with the total population estimated at 38 million for 2026.

Geography

Highest Point
Hora Hoverla (2,061 m)
Lowest Point
Black Sea (0 m)
Coastline
2,782 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Ukraine

Monthly averages for Kyiv

January
Poor
Temp
1°C / -3°C
Feels Like
-3°C / -8°C
Rain
11days (41 mm) Wet
Sun
2.7h Poor
Humidity
85% Humid
Snow Days
13days
February
Poor
Temp
2°C / -3°C
Feels Like
-2°C / -8°C
Rain
9days (36 mm) Wet
Sun
4.9h Fair
Humidity
79% Humid
Snow Days
9days
March
Poor
Temp
8°C / 1°C
Feels Like
5°C / -4°C
Rain
8days (31 mm) Wet
Sun
7.3h Good
Humidity
71% Muggy
Snow Days
6days
April
Fair
Temp
14°C / 5°C
Feels Like
11°C / 1°C
Rain
12days (68 mm) Wet
Sun
8.9h Good
Humidity
67% Muggy
Snow Days
1days
May
Good
Temp
19°C / 9°C
Feels Like
17°C / 6°C
Rain
11days (62 mm) Wet
Sun
11.3h Excellent
Humidity
63% Muggy
June best
Excellent
Temp
25°C / 15°C
Feels Like
25°C / 14°C
Rain
13days (69 mm) Wet
Sun
13.3h Excellent
Humidity
66% Muggy
July best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 16°C
Feels Like
28°C / 16°C
Rain
10days (63 mm) Wet
Sun
13h Excellent
Humidity
68% Muggy
August best
Excellent
Temp
27°C / 15°C
Feels Like
27°C / 15°C
Rain
8days (46 mm) Wet
Sun
12.1h Excellent
Humidity
67% Muggy
September best
Excellent
Temp
22°C / 11°C
Feels Like
20°C / 9°C
Rain
7days (36 mm) Good
Sun
9.1h Good
Humidity
69% Muggy
October
Fair
Temp
14°C / 6°C
Feels Like
11°C / 3°C
Rain
9days (59 mm) Wet
Sun
5.9h Fair
Humidity
79% Humid
November
Poor
Temp
6°C / 2°C
Feels Like
3°C / -2°C
Rain
11days (54 mm) Wet
Sun
2.4h Poor
Humidity
86% Very Muggy
Snow Days
5days
December
Poor
Temp
1°C / -2°C
Feels Like
-3°C / -6°C
Rain
12days (49 mm) Wet
Sun
1.8h Poor
Humidity
89% Very Muggy
Snow Days
12days
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 1°C / -3°C -3°C / -8°C 11days (41 mm) Wet 2.7h Poor 85% Humid Poor View Details
February 2°C / -3°C -2°C / -8°C 9days (36 mm) Wet 4.9h Fair 79% Humid Poor View Details
March 8°C / 1°C 5°C / -4°C 8days (31 mm) Wet 7.3h Good 71% Muggy Poor View Details
April 14°C / 5°C 11°C / 1°C 12days (68 mm) Wet 8.9h Good 67% Muggy Fair View Details
May 19°C / 9°C 17°C / 6°C 11days (62 mm) Wet 11.3h Excellent 63% Muggy Good View Details
June best 25°C / 15°C 25°C / 14°C 13days (69 mm) Wet 13.3h Excellent 66% Muggy Excellent View Details
July best 27°C / 16°C 28°C / 16°C 10days (63 mm) Wet 13h Excellent 68% Muggy Excellent View Details
August best 27°C / 15°C 27°C / 15°C 8days (46 mm) Wet 12.1h Excellent 67% Muggy Excellent View Details
September best 22°C / 11°C 20°C / 9°C 7days (36 mm) Good 9.1h Good 69% Muggy Excellent View Details
October 14°C / 6°C 11°C / 3°C 9days (59 mm) Wet 5.9h Fair 79% Humid Fair View Details
November 6°C / 2°C 3°C / -2°C 11days (54 mm) Wet 2.4h Poor 86% Very Muggy Poor View Details
December 1°C / -2°C -3°C / -6°C 12days (49 mm) Wet 1.8h Poor 89% Very Muggy Poor View Details

Temperature

36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C -12°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 1°C / -3°C . Feb: 2°C / -3°C . Mar: 8°C / 1°C . Apr: 14°C / 5°C . May: 19°C / 9°C . Jun: 25°C / 15°C . Jul: 27°C / 16°C . Aug: 27°C / 15°C . Sep: 22°C / 11°C . Oct: 14°C / 6°C . Nov: 6°C / 2°C . Dec: 1°C / -2°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 13 mm 26 mm 39 mm 52 mm 65 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 41 mm. Feb: 36 mm. Mar: 31 mm. Apr: 68 mm. May: 62 mm. Jun: 69 mm. Jul: 63 mm. Aug: 46 mm. Sep: 36 mm. Oct: 59 mm. Nov: 54 mm. Dec: 49 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Ukraine is approximately 38M (2024).

The capital of Ukraine is Kyiv.

Ukraine's GDP per capita is $5.7K (2024).

Life expectancy in Ukraine is 74.69 years (2024).

Ukraine covers 603,550 km² (233,032 sq mi).

Ukraine has a moderate population density of 63 people per km², close to the global average of 60.

Ukraine's population is growing slowly at 0.3% per year, below the global average.

Based on GDP per capita, Ukraine falls in the upper-middle GDP-per-person tier at $5.7K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Ukraine's intentional homicide rate is 3.8 per 100,000 people, close to the global average.

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian.

Ukraine uses the Ukrainian hryvnia (₴) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Ukraine are June, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.

Current estimates show Ukraine has a population of approximately 38 million people. The latest ranking places the nation global 41 of 215 in terms of total population size. Within the European region, it ranks regional (Europe) 7 of 47, and it is the subregional (Eastern Europe) 2 of 4 largest nation by population.

The latest economic data indicates a GDP per capita of 5,708 USD. This figure ranks the nation global 133 of 212 and regional (Europe) 46 of 46. Additionally, it ranks subregional (Eastern Europe) 4 of 4 among its closest geographic neighbors, reflecting the economic challenges the country faces during its current transition.

Ukrainian is the official language and the primary mode of communication for the majority of the population. The nation is also home to diverse ethnic groups including Russians, Belarusians, and Crimean Tatars. This cultural variety has shaped the country's identity since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in August 1991.

The latest estimates indicate that life expectancy at birth in Ukraine is 74.7 years. This value currently ranks global 108 of 215 among all tracked nations. Health outcomes are influenced by a combination of public health initiatives and broader demographic trends that have been observed across the region over recent years.

Education is a major strength for the nation, which maintains an adult literacy rate of 99.4%. According to the latest available data, Ukraine ranks global 20 of 170 for literacy. This high level of educational attainment supports a workforce that is increasingly engaged with modern technical sectors and the global digital economy.

Ukraine covers a total area of 603,550 km² (233,032 sq mi), making it one of the largest countries in Europe. Its geography is characterized by fertile plains and steppes, which are bordered by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the south. The country shares borders with seven other nations.

The estimated 2026 population of Ukraine is 38,115,851. This figure is based on recent projections from the latest official 2024 data of 37,860,221. The population has seen significant fluctuations in recent years due to migration, displacement, and changing birth and death rates across the country.

Ukraine currently holds a global population rank of 41 out of 215 countries. In the European region, it ranks 7th out of 47 nations, and it is the 2nd most populous country in Eastern Europe. These rankings reflect its status as one of the largest nations on the continent.

The estimated 2026 population density of Ukraine is 65.8 people per km² (170.4 per sq mi). This places the country 138th globally in terms of density. The population is spread across a total land area of 603550 km² (233032 sq mi), which is the largest entirely within Europe.

Ukraine's population growth rate is currently estimated at 0.34% annually. While the latest figures show a slight increase, the natural population change is negative, as the death rate of 13.6 per 1,000 people significantly exceeds the birth rate of 5.5 per 1,000 people. Growth is largely migration-dependent.

The current fertility rate in Ukraine is 0.988 births per woman according to the latest 2024 data. This ranks the nation 210th of 215 countries globally. This rate is significantly below the replacement level, contributing to long-term concerns regarding an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

Approximately 69.5% of the Ukrainian population lives in urban areas. This urbanization level ranks Ukraine 92nd globally. Major cities like the capital, Kyiv, serve as the primary centers for economic, educational, and cultural activity, attracting residents from rural regions despite the challenges of recent years.

All Indicators

Explore Ukraine's data across 50+ indicators

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