Kharkiv (Kharkov in Russian) is one of the Ukrainian region centres, rightfully carrying the title of a Ukrainian megalopolis — is a giant of the national industry, a big educational and cultural centre, and the biggest transport node of the Country of Ukraine.
At present the town takes up 303 square km. In spite of its considerable size, the town's layout is tight. Well developed town transport network (underground, tram, trolley bus, bus, shuttle taxi) makes easily accessible any part of the town.
The Kharkiv population level is second largest in Ukraine, and is now close to 1.5 millions. In Big Kharkiv (that is together with its suburbs) now live 2/3 of the Kharkiv region population and more than 4/5 of its town population.
The huge level of housing and industrial construction, the increase of Kharkiv population caused by its swift development as an industrial and cultural centre during the Soviet period have led to a considerable extension of the town borders.
The town is situated in the north-eastern part of Ukraine, on the border of two landscape belts — forest-steppe and steppe, near the junction of the Lopan and the Udy rivers, that flow into the Seversky Donets.
As to the division of labour in Ukraine, Kharkiv is characterised by a high level of mechanical engineering and metal working industries.
Among others high-tech based industries can be singled out as spurring further scientific progress: tractor and agricultural mechanical engineering, space technologies and aviation construction, machine tool construction, heavy engineering industry, power machinery construction.
There are also big businesses engaged in light industry, food production, chemical industry. Building is highly developed as well.
An outstanding feature of Kharkiv as an industrial giant is that among other similar towns it is one of the greenest. The green ranges of its parks and gardens, alleys and park areas are spread over 12,628 hectares. There are over 17 square metres of green area per citizen.
Kharkiv is a big (if not the biggest) centre of science and culture in Ukraine.
There are more than 60 scientific research institutes, more than 170 secondary education schools, more than 150 educational centres and special secondary education schools, the number of private and state owned higher education institutions has now reached 80. About 20,000 students graduate yearly from Kharkiv higher education institutions.
There are 49 cultural centres and institutions, among them 5 museums, a town art gallery, 6 major theatres. There are more than 80 libraries in the town!