Ukraine has been in the global spotlight since the Russian invasion. But how large is this Eastern European nation compared to its neighbors and other countries in Europe? Let’s delve into Ukraine’s size and population.
Ukraine’s Size Relative to Other Countries
Ukraine is a significant European country, covering 233,031 square miles. To put this in perspective:
- Slightly smaller than Texas: Ukraine is slightly smaller than the US state of Texas (268,597 square miles).
- Second-largest country in Europe (excluding Russia): When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Ukraine emerged as the second-largest country in Europe, after Russia. It’s important to note that Russia spans both Europe and Asia, with a significant portion of its territory in Asia. Considering only the European portion of Russia, Ukraine remains the second largest.
- Twice the size of Italy: Ukraine’s landmass is double that of Italy.
- 2.5 times the size of the United Kingdom: Ukraine is two and a half times larger than the UK.
- 46th largest country globally: While substantial, Ukraine ranks 46th in size worldwide.
Ukraine’s Population Compared to Other Countries
While geographically large, Ukraine’s population is comparable to other mid-sized countries:
- Around 44 million people: Similar to Argentina’s population (45 million).
- Declining population: Emigration, high death rates, and low birth rates contribute to a shrinking population.
Ukraine’s Economic Significance: The Breadbasket of Europe
Ukraine plays a vital role in global agriculture:
-
Significant agricultural exporter: Known as the “breadbasket of Europe,” Ukraine exports billions of dollars worth of agricultural products, particularly to the European Union and China. In 2020, over $6 billion in agricultural goods were exported to the EU. In 2021, Ukraine was a major corn supplier to China.
-
Mixed economy: Ukraine operates under a mixed economic system with an emerging free market.
-
Growing GDP: Before the 2022 conflict, Ukraine’s GDP reached a record high of $195 billion in 2021.
Ukraine’s Borders and Geopolitical Context
Understanding Ukraine’s geographical location is crucial for understanding the current geopolitical situation:
-
1,400-mile border with Russia: A long land and sea border with Russia has been central to the conflict.
-
Borders with six other countries: Ukraine shares borders with Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Belarus.
-
Over 30 years of independence: Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s size and location in Eastern Europe make it a significant country geopolitically. While smaller than Russia, it’s one of the largest European nations by landmass and plays a crucial role in regional agriculture. Understanding its size and borders provides important context for understanding the ongoing conflict and its impact on the region and the world.
