This book discusses the oppression and growth of Ukraine’s culture while ruled by Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and the Soviet Union through its recent independence. It also introduces Ukrainian history from the founding of Kiev to the election troubles of Viktor Yushchenko, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and Ukraine’s continued use of nuclear power, and its transition from communist rule to a democratic government. This book highlights Ukraine’s economy, climate, geography, nature reserves, culture, holidays, sports, transportation, communication, family life, housing, education, languages, religions, music, instruments such as the bandura, authors such as Taras Shevchenko and Nikolay Gogol, folk arts such as embroidery, wood carving, and egg painting, and foods such as borscht. In addition, bold glossary terms, phonetic spellings, a fast facts page, a graphic timeline, a recipe, an index, maps, and full-color photos accompany this easy-to-read text.