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2. Read and translate the text. Ukraine is my Homeland

Ukraine is an independent state with its own territory, its bodies of power, its government.

Ukraine gained independence in 1991. Now Ukraine wants to become a truly democratic and well-developed state.

By its territory it is one of the largest countries in South-East Europe. Ukraine occupies an area of 603,700 square kilometres (compare the area of France 551.000 sq. km.; Great Britain 244,000; Italy 301,000; Germany 356,000).

The geographical position of Ukraine is very favourable for the development of its relations with other countries of Europe.

In the north Ukraine borders on Belarus; in the east and north-east, on Russia; in the south-west on Hungary, Romania and Moldova; in the west on Poland and Slovakia.

In the south Ukraine is washed by waters of the Black and Azov Seas. Over 70ths rivers run through the territory of Ukraine. The largest of those are the Dnipro, the Dnister, the Pivdenny Bug and the Danube.

In the north of Ukraine there are forests, in the west – the Carpanthian mountains (the highest peak is Hoverla, 2061 m.), in the eastern and central Ukraine – blacksoil steppelands.

Ukraine is located in two climatic zones: temperate latitude and subtropic of the Mediterranean type (the southern coast of Crimea). Mountainous areas have specific climatic conditions. Generally Ukraine belongs to the countries with temperate climate. The weather and climatic conditions in Ukraine favourably affect on economy, development of tourism and recreation areas, and enable the use of environmentally safe energy resources of the wind and the sun.

Ukrainian mineral water with the sources in Myrgorod, Swalyawa, Truskavets and Feodosia is of great value.

Ukraine is rich in various mineral resources, such as coal, iron ore, oil and gas. Ukraine has well developed scientific and industrial base. Ukrainian industries include heavy machine building, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, shipbuilding, manufacture of buses, vehicles, tractors and other agricultural equipment, locomotives, turbines, aviation motors and aircrafts, equipment for power stations, oil and gas and chemical industries. Ukraine has a powerful electric power generation base.

A number of industries are characterized by high technological level of development. Manufacture of rocket carriers, satellites and space exploration equipment has been established. Ukraine is a significant manufacturer of military equipment, tanks and military transportation aircraft.

The population of Ukraine is over 49 million people. The representatives of more than 100 nationalities live in the country.

The state language of Ukraine is Ukrainian. General foundations of political system in Ukraine are defined by its Constitution. The Constitution of Ukraine, designates the President as the Head of State. The term of presidential office is five years. The only legislative body of Ukraine is the Parliament – the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Altogether 450 deputies are elected. The Cabinet of Ministers (Government) of Ukraine is the supreme executive authority.

3. Find the answers to the questions:

1. When did Ukraine gain its independence?

2. What is the territory of Ukraine?

3. How many countries have borders with Ukraine?

4. Where is the highest peak of Ukraine?

5. What does the climate of the country depend on?

6. What Ukrainian mineral water do you prefer to drink?

7. What is the population in our country?

8. Who is the head of the state?