Lviv is a regional city of Ukraine, the most important political and cultural center of the western region of the country. Being a jewel of Ukrainian architecture and culture, Lviv is a real open-air museum graced by over 2000 historical, architectural and cultural landmarks. In 1998 Lviv was recognized as a world heritage site by the UNESCO international organization. There is a wealth of museums, art galleries, musical groups and theaters in Lviv. 8 academic institutions and 40 scientific research institutes and design offices are active here. Over 100 thousand students get their education yearly at 17 establishments of higher education.



Lviv is a developed road knot – a crossroad of air, railway and motor-car communications. You will easily reach Krakow, Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Bucharest, Sophia, Kyiv and Moscow. It makes Lviv so popular and accessible for travelers.

In addition to its cultural and educational prominence Lviv is a thriving business center. A favorable geographical position, proximity to the boundaries of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, presence of the high-skilled work-force allow Lviv to take part in international trade and finance, scientific and cultural life. In May 1999 the 6th Summit of Presidents of Central and Eastern Europe took place in Lviv. In June 2001 the Roman Pope John Paul II paid a visit to Lviv and left very satisfied by the city itself and the warm reception of local inhabitants.
Population – 830,000 inhabitants (80% - Ukrainian, 15% - Russian, 2% - Jewish, 1% - Polish).
Area of Lviv – 55 sq. km.

Distances to some major cities
• Lviv – Kyiv - 545 km
• Lviv – Odessa – 749 km
• Lviv – Warsaw – 390 km
• Lviv – Budapest – 600 km
• Lviv –Bratislava – 800 km
• Lviv – Prague – 900 km

Distances to border-points with neighboring European countries:
• Lviv to Poland – 76 km
• Lviv to Slovakia – 262 km
• Lviv to Hungary – 253 km
• Lviv to Romania – 290 km

The climate in Lviv is moderate continental. The average June temperature is + 18°C, and that of January temperature is – 4°C. There is 700-800 mm of rain per year. Modern Lviv has no big rivers or water reservoirs.

The flora of Lviv is quite varied. There are mostly such kinds of trees as chestnut trees, maples, ash-trees, poplars and lime-trees. There are also 235 kinds of exotic trees growing in the city, especially it its numerous parks.