New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognised two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine — Donetsk, and Lugansk — as an independent. The eastern region of Ukraine shares its border with Russia.


Donetsk is the main city in the mining basin of Donbass. Lugansk, the former Voroshilovgrad, is also an industrial city of 1.5 million inhabitants.


As tension mounts between the two nations, let us have a look at a few quick facts about Ukraine. 


Population Of Ukraine


Ukraine is the 46th largest country in the world and the second-largest country in Europe. The total area of Ukraine is about six million square kilometers. The total population of the country is 44.9 million i.e. 4.49 crore. About 78 percent of Ukraine's population is native Ukrainians, while 22 percent are from other countries. There are only 86.3 men for 100 women.


READ: US Prohibits Trade, Investments In Regions Of Ukraine Declared 'Independent' By Putin


Currency & Language Of Ukraine


The largest city and capital of Ukraine are Kyiv. The largest population (2.8 million) lives in this city. The main religion here is Christianity and the official language is Ukrainian. However, many other languages are also spoken. The official currency of the country is the Ukrainian Hryvnia.


When Was Ukraine Liberated?


Ukraine gained independence after the breakup of the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991. In 1922 Ukraine became a member of the Soviet Union. This country is bordered by Russia in the northeast and east, Belarus in the northwest, Poland and Slovakia in the west.


Ukraine Is Famous For...


The deepest metro station in the world is located in Ukraine. It is called the Arsenalna Metro Station of Ukraine. Ukraine's literacy rate is about 99.8 percent. This is the fourth-highest literacy rate in the world. The average life expectancy rate is approximately 71.48 years.


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ukraine is the sixth-highest alcohol-consuming country in the world. The most popular sports here are football and boxing. Ukraine is the first country in the world to give up its nuclear arsenal.