Rivne Oblast

Rivne Oblast is an administrative region in northwestern Ukraine that includes flat marshland in the north and rolling uplands in the south. The territory stretches across several landscape zones with forests, rivers and agricultural areas between the larger towns.

The territory joined Soviet Ukraine in December 1939 after the former Polish Wolyn Voivodeship was divided during World War II. This incorporation marked the start of Soviet administration that continued until Ukrainian independence in 1991.

The name comes from the city of Rivne, derived from the Ukrainian word for level or flat terrain. Visitors today can see how the low northern marshlands contrast sharply with the rolling hills to the south.

The region serves as a transport hub with highways and international rail lines reaching Brest, Kyiv and Lviv through five border crossings. Travelers find good connections in several directions, making onward journeys to neighboring countries and regions easier.

Near the town of Varash sits a nuclear power plant that generates a considerable share of the country's electricity. The region also holds the largest peat deposits in Ukraine, found across the northern wetlands.

Location: Ukraine

Inception: December 4, 1939

Capital city: Rivne

Elevation above the sea: 360 m

Reference: РІВ

Shares border with: Volyn Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Lviv Oblast, Ternopil Oblast, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Gomel Region, Brest Region

Phone: +3800362695165

Email: roda@rv.gov.ua

Website: https://rv.gov.ua

GPS coordinates: 50.74000,26.35000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:13