Ethnic Makeup Of The Ukraine

The Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe with a rich culture and history that are deeply intertwined with its ethnic makeup. With a population of over 42 million people, the Ukraine is home to an array of different ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions and customs. In this article, we'll explore the various ethnic groups that make up the Ukrainian population and how they contribute to the fabric of Ukrainian society.

Ukraine's diverse ethnic makeup is a reflection of its tumultuous history. From the time of the Kievan Rus', when the area was first settled by Slavic peoples, to the Mongol and Turkic invasions, to the Soviet Union rule, each new wave of influence left its mark on the Ukrainian people. Today, Ukrainian society is made up of a unique blend of these many different ethnic groups, all of whom contribute to the nation's culture in their own way.

The largest ethnic group living in the Ukraine is the Ukrainians, who make up over 73% of the population. The Ukrainian language is the official state language, and Ukrainian culture is the dominant cultural force in the country. Ukrainians have a long history in the area, stretching back to the 9th century when the Kievan Rus' was founded. Ukrainians are traditionally Orthodox Christians, and the Eastern Orthodox Church is one of the most influential religious institutions in the country.

Russian is the second largest ethnic group in the Ukraine, making up around 17.3% of the population. Historically, the Russian population has been concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country, although there are now significant Russian populations in other cities as well. Many Russians living in the Ukraine are members of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Russian is also an official language in some parts of the country.

Belarusians make up around 4.5% of the Ukrainian population, and their presence in the country dates back to the 13th century. Belarusians have significant populations in the northern and western parts of the Ukraine, and they are predominantly Orthodox Christian. They are known for their distinct dialect of the Belarusian language, and they are often seen as being close to the Russian ethnic group due to their shared language and culture.

Romanians make up about 2.7% of the Ukrainian population, and they are mainly concentrated in the western part of the country. Romanians are predominantly Orthodox Christians, and they speak a distinct dialect of the Romanian language. Many Romanians living in the Ukraine have migrated from Romania in search of economic opportunities and a better life.

Other significant ethnic minority groups in the Ukraine include Poles, Crimean Tatars, Hungarians, Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Bulgarians. Each of these ethnic minority groups has its own distinct culture and traditions that are important to the national identity of the Ukraine.

Overall, the ethnic makeup of the Ukraine is highly diverse and complex. All of the different ethnic groups contribute to the vibrant culture of the country and the unique identity of the Ukrainian people.