UKRAINE is a country in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south. The city of Kiev (Kyiv) is Ukraine's capital. Ukraine is biggest country in Europe after Russia.

The two biggest attractions in the Ukraine are most likely the country's natural beauty and its rich history. The country's origins go back many hundreds of years and more than 500 of the cities date back some 900 years. Cities such as these – as well as many others which are only a few hundred years behind them – are enriched with monuments, buildings, archaeological sites and incredible palaces.

The Ukraine is home to 300 museums, seven national historical and cultural preserves and over 150 different examples of culture, history, archaeology, cities, palaces, parks and architecture. Many monuments are of such historical significance that they have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

CAMPS LOCATION: all Union Forum camps 2008 will be located in Lviv region (see map). Lviv Region is situated in the Western part of Ukraine which is traditionally called Galychyna. On the West it borders Poland, on the North with Carpathians. Lviv (Lvov, Lwow) is the capital of the Region and is situated 60 km from the border with Poland (about 350 km from Warsaw and 550 km from Kiev).

Founded in 1256, Lvov, or Lviv, has long been and important centre of commerce in Ukraine. It has under a million inhabitants. The winter is fairly cold and the summers are mild. The city sees a lot of cloud coverage.

Lviv is also one of the Ukraine’s leading cultural centres of Ukraine which is included in the UNESCO inheritance list.. The first high school in Ukraine was founded in Lviv in 1661. Now Lviv is one of the biggest centres of education, general and branch sciences in Ukraine. There are over 50 higher educational institutions in this Region.

Lviv Region has the well-developed transport network. The international railways to the capitals of many European countries such as Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Buharest, Warsaw, Moscow, Prague and Sophia pass through its territory.

1)      IMPORTANT: Travel passport valid for sixth months beyond date of travel

2)      for visa countries- a valid single entry visa required. Visas, for those needed must be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine.

NON-VISA REGIME to entry or transit the territory of Ukraine is implemented for the citizens of USA, Canada, all European Union countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San-Marino, Iceland, Norway, Vatican, Japan and with all with the CIS countries if staying in Ukraine does not exceed 90 days.

OTHER: Ukraine is mostly a cash economy. When bringing into Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition because those that are worn, torn or written on may not be accepted.

The Ukrainian national currency is Hryvna (UAH). One hryvna = 100 kopecks.

Exchange rate for Hryvna as on 1 July 2008 is       4,85 Hryvna for 1 USD                                                                                                                    7,40 Hryvna for 1 Euro           

Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange desks at hotels, shops or currency exchange offices – could be find everywhere. VISA, MasterCard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, casinos, stores, ATM's. Owners of American Express, Dinners will experience problems when using their cards even in big cities. 

Traveller’s checks and credit cards can be cashed less out of a bank fee (which is 1-4% of the amount) at the majority of banks. Most popular Travellers checks in Ukraine are Thomas Cook and Visa. To cash travellers checks, the receipt of purchase and passport of check owner is required.

International time: Ukraine’s time is 2 hours later than Greenwich Mean Time- +1 hour to Western European Time.

Leaving Ukraine: When you leave Ukraine, you will be asked to present the customs the immigration card that you received upon entry.