Kyiv is the capital and most populous city of Ukraine.
It is in north-central Ukraine along the Dnieper River. As of 1 January
2021, its population was 2,962,180, making Kyiv
seventh-most populous city in Europe.
Geographically, Kyiv is located on the border of the Polesia woodland
ecological zone, a part of the European mixed woods area, and the East
European forest steppe biome. However, the city's unique landscape
distinguishes it from the surrounding region. Kyiv is completely
surrounded by Kyiv Oblast.
The municipality of the city of Kyiv has a special legal status within
Ukraine compared to the other administrative subdivisions of the
country. The most significant difference is that the city is considered
as a region of Ukraine (see Regions of Ukraine). It is the only city
that has double jurisdiction. The Head of City State Administration -
the city's governor - is appointed by the president of Ukraine, while
the Head of the City Council - the mayor of Kyiv - is elected by local
popular vote.