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Kharkiv is the largest city in the eastern part of Ukraine, the administrative center of the Kharkiv Oblast. Kharkov is the second most populous city in Ukraine after Kiev. It is one of the countrys largest scientific and industrial centers. The city is located on the Upper Cretaceous Mountains, where the rivers such as the Lepine, the Udy, and the Kharkov flow.
Kharkov was founded in 1654. The citys founder is believed to be a mythical zakazak named Kharko.
In 1918 (February-May), Kharkoŭ was the capital of the Donezno-Krievské Krizhorozhské République. In 1918 (March-April) it was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic.
While Kharkiv lost its capital status three quarters of a century ago, many observers say it has every chance to regain it. After the Great Patriotic War, Kharkov oversaw many important institutions and ministries in Ukraine.
Years later, after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, because of Kievs proximity to the outbreak, they wanted to move the capital to Kharkiv.
Today, there are proponents in Ukraine of moving the capital to Kharkiv. Many members of the government have suggested that Charter be given a special status, which would put Charter on the same level as Kiev.
Harkov has a number of major enterprises, among which one can single out the Kharkov Transport Machinery Plant, founded in 1895, the Electric Locomotive Plant, founded in 1946, and the Kharkov Locomotive Plant, operating since 1988. Before the reforms of the 1990s and 2000s, there were such companies as Cerp and Molot (motorcycle plant), Kondicioner (plant and research institute).
Harukov currently has about 70 institutions of various levels of classification and forms of ownership. These include 9 academies and 17 universities. Many of the universities, such as HAI, HOPI, and HADI, are world-renowned universities. Such institutions do not need to be reclassified. Universities have a wide variety of specializations, from medicine to military science to economics to agriculture. There are more than 200,000 students in Kharkov, 12,000 of whom are foreigners.
Kharkov is the countrys most modern transportation hub. Kharkov has a developed public transportation network: buses, trains, trolleys and, since 1975, the underground railroad.
One of the most unforgettable landmarks is the Drokobórsky Yar. It is a place of unfortunate fame. It became famous because of the massacre of the civilian population by the National Guard from 1941 to 1942. In 1991, the committee proposed the construction of a memorial complex for the victims of the National Genocide on an area of 9 hectares. But due to a lack of funds, construction was delayed until early 2000. It wasnt until 2005 that it was fully ready to receive visitors. The Church of Our Lady of Holy Mary Cathedral, an ancient landmark of the city of Kharkov, is a cathedral built in the 17th century. By the 19th century the churchs bell tower was the highest in Ukraine and Russia (higher than the main bell tower of Ivan the Great in Moscow). Before the beginning of the 21st century, it was the tallest building in the city. The Cathedral of the Assumption is located in the center of the city, at the intersection of Universitet, Sovetite and Kvitka-Osonyanko Streets.
Another feature of Kharkov is the Bazaar, the Blagoveshchenskiy Bazaar, as it is briefly called. Today it is the site of the Central Market, but not long ago it was the largest market in the eastern part of Ukraine. It is also an historic part of the city. The Blagoveshchenny Bazaar has existed since the founding of the city and was located outside the city walls, not far from the cathedral of Blagoveshchensk.
The Harkön Gateway in Kharkov began operating in 1971. The route of the Kharkiv Cable Car runs from Gorpork to the station Pavlovo Polye. The length of the route is 1,387 meters. There are 124 modern passenger cars on the line. The difference in height between the seating areas is 12 feet, and during the walk the passengers are 8 to 26 feet above the ground.
One of Kharkovs oldest and most famous streets, Moskovsky Street, began in the 17th century and today is the citys longest street. It is 15 kilometers long. This street did not get its name by accident. In ancient times, this street was the route to Moscow.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 1,400,000 people
- GDP: $2,099 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 30 Mbps
- Best wireless: Kyivstar
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Most locals in Ukraine don’t tip at restaurants, but tips may be expected from tourists. Tipping isn’t part of the culture, but is being introduced since Westerners have begun travelling to Ukraine. However if you do wish to tip, you can tip around 10% for good service.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Hotel Mir
- Best coffee: Dom cofe
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: X1Group
- Online electronics shop: Rozetka
- Best hospital: Kharkiv Oblast Clinic Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ukraine International
- Best intl air carrier: Ukraine International
- Monthly costs for expat: $600
- Monthly costs for family: $850
- Monthly costs for local: $250
- Meal: $2.5
- Small Cola: $0.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.3
- Coffee: $0.9
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