Kharkiv, Second largest city in eastern Ukraine.
Kharkiv is a city in eastern Ukraine with a population exceeding one million, divided into nine administrative districts. Wide avenues connect residential neighborhoods with universities, factories, and parks that stretch along the Kharkiv River.
The settlement began as a fortress in 1654 to guard against raids, then grew into a major trade center. It served as the capital of Soviet Ukraine from 1920 until 1934, when the capital moved to Kyiv.
Students from many countries shape daily life, gathering in parks and cafés across the city. Local markets sell regional produce, and residents meet in public gardens or along the riverbanks for conversations and leisure.
Three metro lines, along with trams and buses, link residential areas to the center and university districts. Public transport runs frequently, and signs in Cyrillic script help with orientation at major hubs.
The central square covers more than ten hectares, ranking among the largest in Europe. Soviet-era administrative buildings line its edges, creating a contrast with newer structures that visitors often find surprising.
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