Kharkiv Ukraine

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Name of City: Kharkiv

Kharkiv Oblast Coat of Arms: Kharkic Coat of Arms

Country: Ukraine

Capital of Country: Kiev, Ukraine

National day of Country: Independence Day on August 24 marks the date when Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union.

Flag of country:

Currency: Hryvnia, which is notated by the sign .

Population: 4,461,300 as of 2006

Latitude & Longitude: 41 54 N 36 18 E

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Location, Geography, and Climate: Kharkiv is at the confluence of three rivers: the Kharkiv, Lopan, and Udy Rivers. Kharkiv has a moderate continental climate, which means that it is not too cold in winter, and not too hot in summer

Local time: 7 hours ahead Cincinnati during DST, 6 hours ahead Cincinnati during the rest of the year.

History:
The city of Kharkiv was founded in 1654 by Cossacks, who were a group of martial people that lived in the steppes of eastern Europe. It was initially a fortress meant to defend the borders of the state of Moscow from attacks by nomads. Although it is commonly assumed that the city is named for the river Kharkov that runs nearby, some stories maintain that it derives its name from the famous Cossack Harto. After the Cossacks disbanded, Kharkiv became the military and agricultural center of the Slobodsky province, and in subsequent years, it became a powerhouse in industry and commerce, as well. By 1869, the city had also become a railway hub.
From 1917-1934, Kharkiv was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. In fact, it was officially proclaimed to be the Ukrainian People’s Republic in Kharkiv in 1919, but it was renamedf by the Bolshevisks later that year. The capital was moved to Kiev in 1934. During World War II – called the Great Patriotic War in Russia – Kharkiv lost more people than any other city in the old USSR, even Stalingrad. It was occupied twice by the Nazis, and four battles were fought on its soil. The city was virtually destroyed during the war. Between 1941-1942, approximately 30,000 Jews were massacred and laid to rest in a mass grave at Drobitsky Yar. Early this millenium, a the Kharkiv Oblast built a memorial to those lives lost.

Government: The official website of Kharkiv is: .
Khariv is the administrative of the Kharkiv region (oblast). The Mayor of Kharkiv is Mykhailo Dobkin.

Economy: Kharkiv was the center of industry in the Ukraine during Soviet Union times, and one of the largest in the USSR itself. After the USSR collapsed, production decreased because it had been largely a defense-oriented industry. In the early 2000s, however, it started to recover and adapt to civilian industries. Today, Kharkiv is once again a center of industry in the Ukraine, as well as a communications center.

Education: Kharkiv is one of the most important educational cities in Ukraine. Kharkiv University was founded in 1805, and there are many other institutions of higher education in the city.

Religion: The dominant religion of Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Culture: Kharkiv has a rich culture dating far back into its history. Its town square is the fifth-largest in the world

Recreation: Soccer is the most popular sport in the Ukraine; Kharkiv has four pro teams.

Tourism Tips: Kharkiv is a major node of the Russia-Ukraine highway system, has a major airport, and is the largest rail junction in the Ukraine, so you’ll have no trouble getting there! Many examples of old Kharkiv architecture still exist – you’ll want to see the Pokrovsky Cathedral, which has survived since the 17th century, and the bell tower in the Patriarchal Cathedral that commemorates the 1812 victory over Napoleon.

Contacts:
Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Project
tel/fax (513) 241-8800 x 6
email