2. Read the text and do the tasks that follow:

The term Ukraine first appeared in the chronicles of ancient Slavs in the 12^th century as a geographical name of southern lands of the ancient Kyiv Rus’.

Now Ukraine covers the territory of 603,7 thousand square kilometers and has the population of nearly 47 mln. People. Two such countries as Italy could be located in this area. Ukraine’s territory is the 42^nd in the world according to its size.

In the west Ukraine borders on Poland and Slovakia, in the south-west on Hungary, Rumania and Moldova, in the north on Byelorus’, in the north-east on the Russian Federation.

In the south Ukraine is washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Ukraine is a highly-industrialized country whose economic potential is great.

Ukraine has its own armed forces, and maintains its diplomatic relations with foreign countries.

Ukraine is rich in coal, gas, different ores, gold and other natural resources. The basis of industrial development is metal.

Ukraine is in ideal geographical position for the development of its resources, lying between 44° and 52° latitude north, on the same latitude as the USA, Britain, China and Japan. The climate is mild and warm with a long summer and a short winter. Together with its fertile black soil, this makes it ideal for the development of intensive agriculture. The main part of Ukraine is located in the watershed of the Dnieper River, which divides Ukraine into two parts: Right-Bank and Left-Bank Ukraine.

Ukraine also lies on the Danube, and this gives it access to European countries. Through the Siversky Donets it has access to the Don.

The territory of Ukraine is criss-crossed by railroads and highways, oil and gas pipelines and high-voltage transmission lines – all of which ensure close economic ties with Eastern and Western Europe.

Ukraine consists largely of a flat, fertile plain with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the south-west and the Black Sea in the south. Great areas are occupied by steppes and forest-steppe regions.

Lowlands occupy a considerable part of the country. In the north lies the Polissia Lowland. On the Left Bank, the Dnieper Lowland runs along the Dnieper River. The Volhynia Plateau is 200-300 m in elevation.

Within the borders of Ukraine we find the Carpathian Mountains with the highest peak Hoverla (2061 m) which is located in the Chornohora massif. The Carpathians are young folded mountains, so they have flat summits and gentle slopes. The flat area of the treeless summit is called a polonyna.

The Crimean Mountains stretch in three parallel ranges. Their southern slopes are steep, the northern ones more gentle. The Main Range is the highest rising to 1500 m above sea level. Its highest peak is Roman Kosh (1545 m).

The Ukrainian scientists have discovered a way of manufacturing artificial diamonds and have developed methods of electric welding: they have made outstanding progress in nuclear physics, chemistry and other branches.

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine, its industrial, scientific, administrative and cultural centre.

Ukraine was proclaimed independent state on August 24^th 1991. By the Constitution the government is composed of three coordinate branches: the executive, the legislative and the judicial power.

The executive power is vested in the president who holds office for five years. The legislative power is vested in the Verhovna Rada, Parliament of Ukraine. The Supreme Court of Ukraine constitutes the judicial branch.

Being one of the founders of the United Nations Organization in 1945, Ukraine actively participates in its work aimed at preserving peace and friendship among different states.