Kyiv

Kyiv (also known as Kiev) is the capital of Ukraine, located on the Dnieper River in northern Central Ukraine. It is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has been a major cultural center since its founding by Varangians in the late 9th century AD. With an estimated population of 3 million people, Kyiv is the seventh most populous city in Europe and one of Eastern Europe’s largest urban centers.

The area around modern-day Kyiv was first inhabited by East Slavic tribes who settled there between 500 BC and 200 AD. The town was founded sometime during this period but little evidence remains to corroborate any specific date or historical account concerning its foundation. In 882, according to legend, three brothers – Kiyšej, Shchek and Khoriv – established a settlement near present-day Lybidska Square that would later become Kyiv. The name “Kiev” comes from either Kiyšej or another early inhabitant named Kyi; it means “belonging to Kyi.”

In 1097–1099 Prince Volodymyr Monomakh ordered construction of St Sophia Cathedral which became symbolic for Ukrainian Christianity after it was completed two years later under his son Yaroslav I ‘the Wise’ . During 1240–1241 Mongol Tatars destroyed much of what remained from earlier periods including churches such as Saint Sophia Church near Red Tower Hill where they built their own mosque instead.[1] After centuries under various rulerships – Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas captured parts at 1362 while Polish King Jagiello conquered all lands eastwards up until 1667[2] when Russia annexed them – Soviet Union fully gained control over Kiev with 1920 Treaty Of Riga [3]. Following fall of USSR 1991 ,Ukraine declared independence with primary focus being placed upon restoring sovereignty over nation along with rebuilding economy & infrastructure throughout country particularly within large metropolitan areas like Kiev which continued grow increase standard living residents past decade despite social unrest stemming 2014 Russian invasion Crimea tensions remain high region due political turmoil continue escalate 2018 Presidential Election Petro Poroshenko newly elected president amidst allegations foreign interference election results led 2019 protests demanding government resignations military forces dispatched ward off potential uprising resulting further instability post 2020 COVID 19 pandemic Western sanctions imposed Russian Federation delayed recovery efforts ongoing displacement citizens fleeing warzone nonetheless committed revitalizing local industry supporting tourism sector recent developments suggest promising future ahead

Today, Kyiv retains many traditional elements associated with Eastern European culture such as religious architecture (including numerous Orthodox cathedrals), folk music festivals and street markets selling handmade crafts alongside more contemporary attractions like shopping malls and amusement parks making it popular tourist destination both domestically internationally . As home several universities professional sports teams capital also serves educational business hub boasting state art museums theatres libraries concert venues national opera house well host international events including Eurovision Song Contest 2005 UEFA Euro 2012 Final 2017 Champions League Final finally hosting part UEFA EURO 2020 summer 2021