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Overview
Located on the East European Plain, Ukraine's natural landscape has long made it conducive to settlement. Numerous rivers flow through this landlocked nation and its fertile soil nurtures an abundance of crops, which has earned Ukraine the title "breadbasket of Europe." The word Ukraine means "borderland," and nations on the country's periphery have played an important role in shaping its heritage. Although Russia has held control over Ukraine for much of its history, the Mongol Empire, Lithuania, and Poland took turns controlling portions of Ukraine between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries. During the twentieth century, Ukraine became an important industrial and agricultural center for the Soviet Union, but many Ukrainians suffered under this totalitarian regime. In December 1991, Ukrainians voiced their displeasure by overwhelmingly voting for independence from the USSR.About the Author:
Catherine W. Cooper a research fellow with the Institute for Urban Environmental Research and a member of the geography department's adjunct faculty
Synopsis
Located on the East European Plain, Ukraine's natural landscape has long made it conducive to settlement. Numerous rivers flow through this landlocked nation and its fertile soil nurtures an abundance of crops, which has earned Ukraine the title "breadbasket of Europe." The word Ukraine means "borderland," and nations on the country's periphery have played an important role in shaping its heritage. Although Russia has held control over Ukraine for much of its history, the Mongol Empire, Lithuania, and Poland took turns controlling portions of Ukraine between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries. During the twentieth century, Ukraine became an important industrial and agricultural center for the Soviet Union, but many Ukrainians suffered under this totalitarian regime. In December 1991, Ukrainians voiced their displeasure by overwhelmingly voting for independence from the USSR.
About the Author:
Catherine W. Cooper a research fellow with the Institute for Urban Environmental Research and a member of the geography department's adjunct faculty