Ethnicity and Language
According to the 2001 Ukrainian census, the largest ethnic group in Ukraine is Ukrainians, who make up about 78% of the population. The next largest group is Russians, who account for about 17% of the population. Other minority groups include Belarusians, Crimean Tatars, Bulgarians, Poles, Jews, and Roma. The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, which is spoken by around 67% of the population. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in the eastern regions of the country.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion in Ukraine, with Orthodox Christianity being the most popular. About 62% of the population identifies as Orthodox Christians, while around 8% identify as Greek Catholics. Other religious groups in the country include Roman Catholics, Protestants, and Jews.
Age and Gender
The median age in Ukraine is around 41 years, and the population is relatively evenly split between males and females. However, there is a noticeable gender imbalance among older age groups, with more women than men aged 60 years or older. This is largely due to the fact that men tend to have a shorter life expectancy than women in Ukraine, a result of factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor quality healthcare.
Education and Literacy
Ukraine has a relatively high literacy rate, with around 99% of the population being able to read and write. The government provides free education up to the secondary level, after which students can choose to pursue vocational or university education. However, the quality of education in Ukraine is often criticized for being outdated and poorly funded.
Urbanization
Ukraine is a predominantly urban country, with around 70% of the population living in cities or urban areas. The largest cities in Ukraine are Kyiv, the capital and largest city, with a population of around 3 million, followed by Kharkiv and Lviv.
Migration and Diaspora
Ukraine has experienced significant levels of migration over the years, driven by factors such as economic hardship and conflict. According to the United Nations, around 4.4 million Ukrainians lived abroad in 2020, with the largest numbers residing in Russia, Poland, and the United States. Additionally, Ukraine has a sizeable diaspora community, with around 20 million Ukrainians living in other countries around the world.
In conclusion, the demographics of Ukraine are shaped by a range of factors, including ethnicity, language, religion, age, gender, education, urbanization, and migration. Despite the challenges facing the country, such as economic instability and ongoing conflict, Ukraine remains an important player in the region and a diverse and dynamic society.