For more information see the Ukraine profile.

Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, on the north coast of the Black Sea. It is a fertile, forested plain with no natural boundaries. Ukraine has abundant natural resources, with rich reserves of oil, coal, iron ore, and natural gas.

Throughout its history, Ukraine has been dominated and fought over by Russia, Lithuania, Poland, France, and Germany. For 70 years, Ukraine was a republic of the USSR. The nation declared its independence in 1991, but many economic and social difficulties ensued.

Under the Soviet Communist government, all religions were brutally suppressed. Since 1990, Ukraine has had religious freedom, and the church is enjoying spectacular growth.