City population: 1 mln distance to Kiev: 480 km regional area: 33.300 square metre regional population: 2.39 mln region's urban population: 66%
Odessa is not only Ukraine’s most
important port – in many ways it has more of a local character than any other
city in the country. Founded in 1794 by Catherin the Great, Odessa became wealthy in the 19-th and early
20-th centuries on the grain trade, shopping, and smuggling. To this day Odessa are renowned for
their sharp wit and canny trading abilities which were shaped due to the
culture mix.
Within a short period of time
the city, with its beautiful harbor on the Black Sea, has become Ukraine’s southern window to Europe
and an important cultural centre. The city is constantly hosting exhibits,
symposia, and conferences. It is the site of consulates and trade missions of
many countries; many cultural exchange societies are active in the city. Every year,
approximately 100.000 tourists visit Odessa attracted by its boulevards and Potyomkin
Stairs, the marine railway and beautiful beaches, numerous new structures, and the
unusual architecture of old Odessa.
