Ukraine

KYIV - THE CAPITAL OF UKRAINE

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It's one of the oldest cities of Europe. Kyiv is situated on the picturesque banks of the Dnieper river. The population of Kiev is about 3 million. Kyiv is a large political, industrial and cultural centre. Kyiv is a seat of the higher body of state power of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada. Kyiv is a scientific centre. Kyiv's cultural life is rich and varied. There are many theatres, museums, exhibitions in Kyiv. The most important educational institutions of Ukraine are in Kyiv. The Natiuonal Ukrainian University named after Shevchenko is in the centre of the capital. Kyiv is the Hero-City. In the park of Immortal Glory there is an obelisk in honour of those who fell in the battles of the Second World War. A lot of tourists come to Kyiv. The central street of the capital is Kreshchatic. There are many fine buildings in Kreshchatic. Kyiv is especially beautiful in spring when the famous Kyiv chestnut trees are in blossom.

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

Ukraine is a sovereign state. It has its own territory, higher and lo¬cal bodies of state power, government, national emblem, state flag and anthem In July 1990 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Par¬liament, adopted the document of great importance - the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine. According to the Declaration only the Verkhovna Rada can speak on behalf of the whole Ukrainian people.

In July 1996 the Verkhovna Rada adopted the new Constitution of Ukraine. According to it Ukraine is a parliamentary republic with the presidential governing. The higher body of state power isthe Verkhovna Rada. The func¬tions of the Verkhovna Rada are legislation and scrutiny of government activities. The Ukrainian government is headed by the Prime-Minister. The elections of the deputies to the parliament are held every four years. The President is elected every five years. He is the Head of State. He cannot be elected for more than two terms. The Constitution of Ukraine is the main law in the country. It guarantees certain rights and freedoms to the Ukrainian citizens and determines their duties.

THE GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF GREAT BRITAIN

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is situated on the British Isles. The British Isles are separated from Europe by the English Channel. The British Isles are washed by the North Sea in the East and the Atlantic Ocean in the West. The population of Great Britain is over 56 million. The langest cities of the country are London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The territory of Great Britain is divided into four parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. England is the richest, the most populated part in the contry. There are mountains in the north and in the west of England, but all the rest of the territory is a plain. Scotland is a land of mountains. Its highest peak is Ben Nevis. The British Isles have many rivers. The longest of them is the Severn. It flows into the Irish Sea. The Thames is over 200 miles long. London, the capital of Great Britain, stands on it. Geographical position of Great Britain is rather good as the country lies on the crossways of the sea routes from Europe to other parts of the world.

THE CLIMATE OF GREAT BRITAIN

In Great Britain it is never too hot or too cold for work or play in the open air. The sea keeps the island warm in winter. The winds have also very much to do with weather in Great Britain. Warm winds from the Atlantic are wet and warm. They bring plenty of rain to the island. The east and north-east winds are cold and dry. Thanks to the mild climate there are a lot of eveiyeen plants in Great Britain. But the lack of sunshine is the reason why the cultiva¬tion of grain crops is difficult. Grass grows all the year round. The weather changes very often. In spring sunshine and showers follow each other often during the day.

In spring the weather is generally mild. The summer is not so hot as on the continent.

POLITICAL SYSTEM OF GREAT BRITAINThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a constitutional monarchy. Britain does not have a written constitution. Parliament is the most important authority in Britain. The monarch serves formally as head of state. The present sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II (the second). The House of Commons consists of Members of Partliament. General elections are held every five years. All citizens aged 18 have the right to vote. There are few political parties in Britain. The main ones are: the Conservative Party, the Labour Party. Each political party puts up one candidate for each constituency. The one who wins the most votes is elected MP for that area. The party which wins the most seats in Parliament forms the Government. Its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The functions of the House of Commons are legislation and scru¬tiny of government activities. The House of Commons is presided over by the Speaker. The House of Lords is presided by the Lord Chancellor. The House of Lords has no real power. It's in the House of Commons that new bills are introduced and debated. Parliament is responsible for British national policy. Local govern¬ments are responsible for organizing such services as education, police and many others.

MY NATIVE CITY

Kyiv is my native city. It's an ancient city. Ancient Kyiv was a large commercial centre of the East Slavs. During the reign of Prince Volodimir the city expanded greatly. Under the rule of Prince Yaroslav the Wise many churches and ca¬thedrals and monasteries appeared in the city. There are a lot of places of historical importance in Kyiv. Among them there are the Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra, the Golden Gate, the St. Sophia's Cathedral. For those who love Kyiv so dearly as I do, it's very difficult to choose some places of the particular interest. If the day is fine and the sky is cloudless, I'd like to go to the Golden Gate. It is situated in the centre of the city. From the top of the Gates we can admire a splendid view of the city. I also like the St. Sophia's Cathedral. Prince Yaroslav the Wise is buried there.

HOLIDAYS IN UKRAINE

Almost every country has holidays honouring important events in its history. Some holidays come on the same date, some are movable. We celebrate the first day of Cristmas on the 7th of January. On the 6th of January people cook much food because the day after we must not work. On this day we have a sacred supper or Kolyada. It begins when the first star lights up. As the legend says, this star announced the birth of the God's Son. We celebrate Christmas for three days. In the evening a group of boys comes. They sing songs. By these songs they congratulate on holiday. Another religious holiday is Easter. It is movable. In Ukraine we have special attributes of Easter: Easter eggs, we call them "krashenka" and Easter cakes "paska". It is a very nice spring holiday. New Year's Day is very popular all over the world. It is my favourite holiday. Victory Day is on the 9th of May. It is a sacred holiday for every Ukrainian citizen. We are thankful to our grandfathers for the victory.