Population: 45.9 million (C.I.A. World Factbook) (July 2008 est.) Capital: Kiev Area: 603,700 sq km (233,090 sq miles) Major languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian Major religion: Christianity Life expectancy at birth: 62 years (men), 74 years (women) (C.I.A. World Factbook) Monetary unit: Hryvnya Main exports: Ferrous and nonferrous metals, fuel and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, food products
Adoptions from Ukraine to the U.S. (U.S. State Department)
Home to approximately 46 million people, Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland, Romania and Moldova in the west and Russia in the east. Ukraine is slightly smaller than the state of Texas and offers a land rich with nutrients, making it an important producer of milk, meat, grain, and vegetables. Ukraine largely opened up to international adoptions in 1997 and has since been one of the most popular countries for intercountry adoptions by American couples. Ukraine is not a party to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. While most citizens are ethnically Caucasian, there are some Asian and Asian/Caucasian mix children. Adoptions from Ukraine may well be the most ethical adoptions in Eastern Europe. While not a signatory to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, Ukraine has established a central adoption authority, the State Department of Adoptions. All adoptions must be processed through this government agency, and there are strict controls in place to prevent child trafficking. As a part of your family’s adoption you will visit the State Department of Adoptions, review health and care information about available children, and choose the child or sibling group you wish to adopt. After spending time with your child(ren) you will normally complete your adoption and return to the United States in a single trip.
