Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and the main city of the Kiev Region; it is a major historical and cultural centre of Europe.
The earliest reference to Kiev found in historical chronicles dates back to 862. Archeological findings suggest, however, that human settlements may have appeared there as early as the 5th or the 6th century.
According to the August 1, 2010 census, Kiev's population is 2.8 million. Unofficial sources suggest that the real figure may be close to 5 million.
Article 133 of the Ukrainian Constitution assigns Kiev special status as the nation's capital. The current mayor of Kiev is Leonid Chernovetsky, re-elected to the post in May 2008.
The city is Ukraine's main industrial centre. Almost every sector of the economy is represented in the city, from food to aviation. Kiev's leading industrial sectors include mechanical engineering, metallurgy, textiles, and print design. There are several chemical and pharmaceutical factories operating here, as well as enterprises producing chemical fibres, photographic materials, and latex products.
Ukraine's main financial institutions are headquartered in Kiev.
The city is one of Ukraine's major centres of education and scientific research. It is home to a large number of prestigious schools and universities, including the Taras Shevchenko University and the Kiev Polytechnic Institute.
The most noted tourist sites include St. Sophia Cathedral, the Golden Gate, the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, St. Andrew's Church, and the Cathedral of St. Vladimir.