A Land of Extraordinary Diversity
Ukraine spans over 600,000 km² across Eastern Europe, making it the largest country entirely within Europe. Its landscapes range from the dense Carpathian forests in the west to the sweeping Black Sea steppes in the south, from the Polissia wetlands in the north to the Crimean Mountains in the south.
This diversity supports thousands of plant species, hundreds of bird species, and rich populations of mammals, making Ukraine one of Europe's most ecologically significant countries.
Explore the Natural Regions
Carpathian Forests
Ancient beech and fir forests covering the Ukrainian Carpathians — home to bears, lynx, and wolves, with primeval stands that have stood for centuries.
Explore Forests →Rivers & Waterways
The Dnipro, Desna, and Dniester wind through the country, sustaining wetlands, floodplain forests, and rich aquatic life along their banks.
Explore Rivers →Pontic Steppe
The vast grasslands of southern Ukraine once formed the heart of the Eurasian steppe belt — a sea of feather grass and wildflowers that shaped human civilisations for millennia.
Key Facts
- Over 25,000 plant species recorded in Ukraine
- More than 400 bird species — migratory and resident
- 17 national nature parks and 4 biosphere reserves
- The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Askania-Nova is one of the oldest and largest steppe reserves in Europe