Kyiv has a population of about 3 million people and occupies an area of more than 840 square kilometres. Thus Kyiv belongs to the Top-10 largest cities in Europe. The name Kyiv is translated as belonging to Kyi, who was one of four legendary founders of the city, along with his brothers Shchek and Khoryv, and his sister Lybid. There is evidence that the city existed as a commercial center as early as the 5-th century, and was founded in 482 year. In 2022, despite the war and active military actions, Kyiv has selebtated its 1540-th birthday.
Kyiv's main street, Khreschatyk, is the shortest among all capitals in the world — it's length is 1225 meters. At the same time, it is one of the widest and most beautiful one. The focal point of Khreschatyk is Independance square. The area is dominated by the Monument of Inependance, which was erected in 2001 to celebrate 10 years of Ukrainian separation from russia. The street is decorated with chestnuts, which is Kyiv's unofficial logo. May, when chestnuts bloom, is the most beautiful month in Kyiv. During the weekends, when the street becomes pedestrian, Chreschatyk is filled with people enjoing the moment.
There have been 38 islands and 448 bodies of open water recognized within the boundaries of Kyiv. Though the city is hundreds kilometres form the sea, the surrounding area boasts 75 kilometres of sandy beaches. What is more, Kyiv has its own "sea" - water reservoir on the Dnieper thaht takes area of 922 square kilometres. Despite the neighborhood of megacity, some of Kyiv islands still keep their own ecosystem. Almost all islands have clean beaches; few of islands on Dnieper are not spoiled by human activity and even keep primeval nature. Some of them can easily be reached. For example, you can visit the beach on the island Trukhaniv by passing through the longest pedestrian bridge in Europe.
