Telecine in Kiev. Finally

The 16th of February is the day The Chimney Pot Kiev have their launch party. Over 200 clients are invited to celebrate our opening and get a demo of our Spirit, Da Vinci 2K, Flint HD 2007, online and CG department. http://www.chimney.se

Did you know

Ukraine occupies an area of 603,700 square kilometers, and is among the largest European countries. Territorially it is larger than France (544,000 sq. km.), Spain (505,000 sq. km.), Sweden (450,000 sq. km.), and Poland (312,7000 sq. km.).

In terms of population (50.5 million as of January 1, 1998), Ukraine ranks fifth in Europe after Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Sweden. The population density per one square kilometer amounts to an average of 85.6 people, the European average being 67.

In its ethnic composition, Ukraine is a multi-ethnic Republic, inhabited by more than 110 ethnic groups, of which Ukrainian (72.7%) are the largest, followed by Russians, Jews, Belarussians, Moldovans, Bulgarians, Poles and Hungarians.

The easternmost point is in the township of Milove, Luhansk Region. The westernmost point is the city of Chop in Transcarpathia, the distance between them being 1,270 kilometers. In its widest central part, the distance between the northernmost village of Muravyi in the Chernihiv Region and the southernmost Sarych Promontory in Crimea equals 900 kilometers.

The largest mountain system is the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains, which are part of the Eastern Carpathians. The mountains stretch to the west within the territories of the Transcarpathian, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions.

The highest mountain peak, Hoverla, is in the Ukrainian Carpathians within the territories of Transcarpathian and Ivano-Frankivsk.

The Black Sea borders Ukraine to the south. The Dnieper is the country's largest river. The deepest river is the Danube. Yalpug is Ukraine's largest lake in the Danube delta of the Odesa Region.

The deepest lake is Svitiaz in the basin of the Southern Buh. It is one of the Shatsk Lakes in Volyn.

The highest mountain lake is Brebeneskul, between the Carpathian range of Chornohora and the Hutyn-Tamnatyk Mountain.

The considerable remoteness from oceans and continental Siberia tells favorably on the climate of Ukraine. Almost al of its territory is located in the temperate zone. On the whole, the climate is temperately continental, and only on the southern shore of Crimea is it subtropical.

As of January 1, 1990, Ukraine numbered 436 cities inhabited by more than 68% of the country's population. Over 75% of basic production assets and about 95% of scientific research institutions are concentrated in these metropolitan areas.

General

Conventional long form: none.

Conventional short form: Ukraine.

Local long form: none.

Local short form: Ukrayina.

Former: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Data code: UA.


General Principles and State Power

Government type: Ukraine is a Republic.

Independence: December 1, 1991 (from Soviet Union).

National holiday: Independence Day - August 24, 1991.

Constitution: adopted on June 28, 1996.

Head of State: President

Head of Government: Prime Minister.

Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) with 450 seats.

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal.

Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts.

Administrative divisions:

24 oblasts (Cherkaska, Chernihivska, Chernivetska, Dnipropetrovska, Donetska,

Ivano-Frankivska, Kharkivska, Khersonska, Khmelnytska, Kirovo-

hradska, Kyyivska, Luhanska, Lvivska, Mykolayivska, Odeska,

Poltavska, Rivnenska, Sumska, Ternopilska, Vinnytska, Volynska,

Zakarpatska, Zaporizka, Zhytomyrska),

1 autonomous republic (The Autonomous Republic of Crimea),

2 municipalities (misto) with oblast status (Kyiv and Sevastopol)

Capital of Ukraine: Kyiv


Economy

Currency: 1 hryvna=100 kopiykas

Exchange rates: To view current exchange rates please click here:

Transportation

Railroads: total: 23,350 km (broad gauge - 1.524 m); 8,600 electrified

Highways: total: 273,700 km (paved and graveled: 236,400 km)

Inland waterways: 1,672 km perennially navigable (Prypyat and Dnipro Rivers)

Pipelines: crude oil 2,010 km, petroleum products 1,920 km, natural gas 7,800 km (1992)

Seaports: Berdiansk, Illichivsk, Izmayil, Kerch, Kherson, Mariupol, Mykolayiv, Odesa, Pivdenne, Sevastopol.

Inland port: Kyiv.


More info on Ukraine

Ukraine (603 700 sq. km, 48,5 mln. people) is a republic and is second largest country in Europe. It borders Russia and Poland thus being a strategic state between Eastern and Western Europe. Kiev is Ukraine’s capital. Ukraine’s main geographic attractions are two huge mountain chines (Carpathinas to the west and Crimea to the south), Black and Azov seas and Dnieper river (third biggest in Europe). Ukraine’s climate is temperate continental (avg. summer t is +20°C, avg. winter t is -8°C and +4°C in Crimea).


Shooting grounds: Europe’s largest studio...

Fairly, Ukrainian film production resources are still worse than West European. There are not so many studios, and some cry out to be renovated. This not in the least means that there is nowhere to shoot indoors. Our studio supply is more than considerable. Moreover, our Dovzhenka Film Studio has a pavilion that is largest in Europe.


Locations: mountains, sea, steppe, rivers, authentic villages, Soviet time objects, old Europe-like palaces, modern city style.

Some places you can get in Ukraine only. Some other ones are just as in Europe or East, but still considerably cheaper to shoot at. Carpathian mounts are snowy in winter. Crimea has flat plateaus covered by very rare greenery species. Black sea is really warm in summer and has both rocky and sandy coasts. Dnieper river is cleanest in Europe. Villages are fare examples of national history and culture. Biggest cities’ architecture turns more and more to modern ‘still and glass’ constructions. There still are many historical buildings for shooting choice.


Equipment: world famous Filmotechnic are Ukrainians...

Ukrainian rental houses nowadays offer all kinds of acknowledged modern filming equipment. Particularly remarkable is the fact that Ukraine is a home-country for Filmotechnic - a well-known developer and producer of camera supporting technique. Apparently, Filmotechnic equipment in all its range is available in Kiev at lowest possible prices.


More and more: Information on Ukraine

Ukraine is situated in the central part of the Eastern Europe. It has common borders with Byelorussia in the north, Hungary, Romania and Moldova in the south and the southwest, Russia in the east, Poland and Slovakia in the west. The Southern coast of Ukraine is washed by Black and Azov seas. Ukraine stretches 893 kilometers from the north to the south, and 1316 kilometers from the west to the east. The country occupies the area of 603,7 square kilometers.

The Nature and the Climate of Ukraine

The relief of Ukraine is mainly flat. 95 % of its territory is occupied by plains and only 5 % by mountains. The Ukrainian Carpathian mountains (the highest point – mountain Goverla – 2061 meter) are situated near the western borders of the country, and the Crimean mountains (the highest point – mountain Roman Kosh - 1545 meters) are situated in the extreme south of the country.

The greatest river of Ukraine is the Dnipro river, which is 2201 kms long, and 981 kms of which flow through the territory of Ukraine. In general Ukraine is a country with a temperate climate and clearly recognizable change of four seasons. Average temperature of January is -7° C in the northeast of Ukraine and +4°C on the southern coast of Crimea, the average temperature of July is +19°C and +24 °C respectively.

Ukraine is rich in various minerals such as coal, iron ores, oil and gas, stone, salt etc. The nature of Ukraine has created a rich raw-material base for the development of metallurgical, chemical, porcelain, faience industries, ceramics and building materials manufacturing. The great value is represented by the mineral waters of Ukraine the sources of which are located in Myrgorod, Svalyava, Truskavets and Feodosiya. The curative mud of Eupatoria and Saki is very useful for health.

Our country is rich in fertile lands 2/3 of which are represented by chernozems (black soil). According to the estimation of experts, the territory of Ukraine concentrates the quarter of world's chernozems.

The flora of Ukraine consists of about 30 thousands kinds of plants. Natural vegetative complexes are widely used as the base for animal industries, beekeeping, the hunting facilities, preparation of wild-growing medical grasses.

The administrative and territorial division

The capital of Ukraine is the city of Kiev (Kyiv). The territory of Ukraine is divided into Autonomous Republic of Crimea and 24 oblasts: Vinnitsa, Volynsk, Dnepropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhitomir, Zakarpatye, Zaporozhye, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kiev, Kirovograd, Lugansk, Lviv, Nikolaev, Odessa, Poltava, Rovno, Sumy, Ternopol, Kharkov, Kherson, Khmelnitskiy, Cherkassk, Chernovtsy, and Chernigov. The greatest cities of Ukraine are Kiev, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Donetsk, Odessa, Lviv.

The population of Ukraine

In the beginning of 2001 the population of Ukraine was 49,5 millions people. By the size of its population Ukraine occupies the 5-th place in Europe (after Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and France) and 21-st place in the world. The urban population makes 68 %, rural – 32 %. The average population density is 85 persons per 1 sq. km. Average life expectancy for men is approximately 61 years, for women – 73 years. Ukrainians make 73% of the total population. 14 millions (27 %) of Ukrainian citizens are representatives of other nationalities: Russians, Byelorussians, Moldavians, Bulgarians, Poles, Hungarians, Romanians, Greeks, Tatars, Armenians, Gypsies, Crimean Tatars, Germans and others.

The authorities in Ukraine

The basic principles of the state order in Ukraine are defined by the Constitution of Ukraine. According to the Fundamental Law, Ukraine is a sovereign, independent, democratic, social, and jural state.

Ukraine is a unitary state the territory of which is complete and inviolable. The uniform citizenship is established for all the citizens of Ukraine. The state language of Ukraine is Ukrainian. The President is the head of the state. Today the President of Ukraine is Victor Andreevich Uschenko. The only legislative authority in Ukraine is the parliament – the Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council) of Ukraine.

The highest body of the executive authority in Ukraine is the Cabinet of Ministers. It acts according to the Constitution, the laws of Ukraine and the acts issued by the President.

Legal proceedings are carried out by the Constitutional Court and courts of the general jurisdiction. The highest judicial body in the system of courts of the general jurisdiction is the Supreme Court of Ukraine. Justice in Ukraine is carried out only by courts.

Economics of Ukraine

Ukraine is a state with highly developed scientific and industrial base. The economic complex of the country includes such industries heavy engineering, black and nonferrous metallurgy, shipbuilding. Our country manufactures busses, automobiles, lorries, tractors and other agricultural machinery, diesel locomotives, machine tools, turbines, aviation engines and planes, equipment for power stations, oil-and-gas and chemical industries etc. Ukraine is a powerful manufacturer of electricity.

National currency

The national currency of Ukraine is – hryvna. ОForeign currency may be exchanged for hryvnas in banks and in numerous currency exchange offices. The most widespread foreign currencies in Ukraine are US dollar and Euro. Credit cards become more and more widespread in Ukraine, but not all organizations accept them for payment. The majority of hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards for payment.

Holidays in Ukraine:

1 Jan – New Year's Day

7 Jan – Orthodox Christmas

8 Mar – International Women's Day

5 May – Easter (2002)

1, 2 May – Labor Day

9 May – Victory Day

25, 26 May – Kiev Days (2002)

23 June – Trinity Day (2002)

28 June – Constitution Day

24 Aug – Ukrainian Independence Day

People

Population: 46,929,500 (January 2006)

Nationality:

noun: Ukrainian(s),

adjective: Ukrainian.

Ethnic groups: Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%, other 4%.

Religion: predominantly Christian: Ukrainian Orthodox (Kiev Patriarchate), Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate), Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Protestant, Ukrainian Orthodox (Moscow Patriarchate). Other religions like Islam, Judaism etc. are also professed by some part of the population.

State language: Ukrainian.

Other languages: Russian, Romanian, Polish, Hungarian.

Geography

Geographical Location: Ukraine is located in southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea. Ukraine is situated between 44"20' and 52"20' north latitude, and 22"5' and 41"15' east longitude.

Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States.

Area: Ukraine is the largest country in Europe among those with entire boundaries within the European continent. The total area of Ukraine is about 603,700 sq. km. It extends 1316 km from west to east, and 893 km north to south.

Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Texas or bigger than France

Neighboring Countries: Bordered by (clockwise) Romania (169 km), Moldova (939 km), Romania (362 km) and Hungary (103 km) on the southwest, Slovak Republic (90 km) on the west, Poland (428 km) on the northwest, Belarus (891 km) on the north, and Russia (1,576 km) on the north and on the east.

Total Land Boundaries: 4,558 km.

Coastline: 2,782 km.

Climate: The climate of Ukraine is mostly temperate continental. A subtropical Mediterranean climate is prevalent on the southern portions of the Crimean Peninsula. The average monthly temperature in winter ranges from -8° to 2° C (17.6° to 35.6° F), while summer temperatures average 17° to 25° C (62.6° to 77° F). The Black Sea coast is subject to freezing. Precipitation generally decreases from north to south; it is greatest in the Carpathians, where it exceeds more than 1500 mm (58.5 in) per year, and least in the coastal lowlands of the Black Sea, where it averages less than 300 mm (11.7 in) per year.

Terrain: Almost the entire country of Ukraine is a flat plain, with elevations generally below 350 m. The Carpathian Mountains intrude at the extreme west, and on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula the Crimean Mountains are located. The highest point in Ukraine is Mt. Hoverla in the Carpathians, with an elevation of 2061 m.

Land use: Ukraine has extremely fertile black-earth soils in the central and southern portions, totaling more than a half of the territory. According to the estimates, arable land is 56%, permanent crops: 2%, meadows and pastures: 12%, forest and woodland: 10%, other: 20%. In 1990 irrigated land was 26,000 sq. km.

Inland Waterways: Most major rivers flow south to the Black Sea; they include the Dnipro River in central Ukraine, the Southern Bug and Dnestr rivers in the west, the Donets River in the east, and the Danube in the far south. The Western Bug flows northward through the western part of the country and joins the Vistula, which empties into the Baltic Sea.

Natural resources: According to the experts, Ukraine contains approximately 5 per cent of the world's total mineral resources. Ukraine has deposits of more than 80 types of minerals. The Donetsk Basin contains huge reserves of high-quality coal and the nearby iron-ore deposits of Kryvy Rih are equally rich. Other Ukraine's mineral resources include manganese, mercury, titanium, chromium, nickel, bauxite, uranium, phosphate, sulfur and peat. Development of the above mentioned mineral resources under concession agreements along with transportation and refining of oil and gas are among the most promising areas for foreign investments.

Natural hazards: n/a

Environment (current issues): inadequate supplies of potable water air and water pollution deforestation radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Environment (international agreements):

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution;

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea.

Geography note: strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe.