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Crimåa |
Autonomous Republic of Crimea
Crimea is situated on the latitude of the Earth distanced equally from the equator and the Northern pole. The entire Crimean area is 27 square km. It resembles the rhomb shape. The Tarkhankut peninsula forms the Crimean western coast; the Kerch peninsula forms the eastern coast. At the north the Crimea is adjoined to the Kherson region of Ukraine by the Perecop isthmus. It is 200 km between the north and the south of the peninsula and 325 km – between the west and the east. The Black Sea and the Azov Sea that belong to the Atlantic Ocean basin wash the territory of the Crimean peninsula. Sea borders surpass in the Crimea, and the coastline length is about 1000 km.
Visas
For one’s entry to Ukraine one must obtain a visa at the Ukraine’s diplomatic representation, or Ukrainian Consulate abroad. Please arrange to do this in advance – as one cannot receive a visa at the airport or customhouse. Visas may be extended in Ukraine.
If you are in the territory of Ukraine, additional documents for entry to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are not required.
Capital of Crimea
The city of Simferopol is the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which is divided into 14 administrative regions: Bakhchyssaray, Bilogorsky, Dzhankoysky, Kirovsky, Krasnogvardiysky, Krasnoperekopsky, Leninsky, Nyzhnyogorsky, Pervomaysky, Razdolnensky, Saky, Sovetsky, and Chernomorsky.
Relief of peninsula
The Crimean peninsula differs by its diversified natural landscapes. On the north there are steppes; on the south of the peninsula – Crimean mountains covered with forests. Crimean mountains form three ridges running from Sebastopol to Feodosiya. The highest of them are in the framework of the Main ridge or Southern ridge. The highest Crimean Ridge’s maximum height is 1545 m (Roman-Cosh).
Climate
A climate of northern plain part of Crimea is moderately – continental, average temperature of January balances from: -0,1 to -2,9°C, of July: from +22,1 to +23,8° C. Southern coast climate is Mediterranean, Average temperature of January reaches +4° Ñ, July +24° Ñ. Quantity of warmth and humidity refer the Crimea to quite favourable regions for agriculture development. In the line of the southern coast of Crimean mountains there is a coastline (from 2 to 5 km) with well-known resorts: Yalta, Alupka, Simeiz, Hurzuf, Miskhor, Livadiya, Foros, and Alushta.
Population
The Population of the region is 2135 people. The largest cities are – Simferopol, Yevpatoriya, Sebastopol, Kerch, Dzhankoy, Feodosiya, and Yalta.
Language
The official language is Ukrainian, but Russian is used more frequently.
Religion
The most common religion is Orthodox, Catholic, and Islam.
Cultural heritage
About 3820 historical cultural monuments are situated in the Crimean peninsula (except Sevastopol); there are many ancient city ruins, for example, the capital of Scythians imperia - Scythian Naples (in Simferopol); antique cities such as: Chersonesos, Pantikapaion, Nimfey, Kerkinitida, Mirmeky, Cimmeric; ancient Byzantine settlements: Gorzouvites, Aluston; the so called " cave cities ": Mangoup, Calais, Eski-Kermen, etc. There are many architectural monuments with the eclectic mixture of the Middle East; Byzantium, and Armenia styles which is typical for Crimean premises.
Currency
National Ukrainian currency – Hrivna operates in Crimea as well.
Resort fees
In hotels and other accommodation places it is necessary to pay a resort fee – about 1$.
Time
Crimea peninsula as well as Ukraine is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Summer Time is observed in Crimea, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour; 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. After the summer months the Crimean time is shifted back by 1 hour to Eastern European Time.
Electrical devices
The main voltage – 200 volt, frequency – 50Hz. An adapter may be needed for electrical devices of American and Japanese manufacture. Sockets of European standard are not uncommon, but sockets with more narrow jacks are found fairly often (in such a case a special adapter will prove useful).
Transport
Crimea has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. Bus, tram, and trolley tickets can be purchased at the stops and on board. In addition, there are private minibus companies that serve routes between all main cities of peninsula. There are also taxis – cars of different models, classes, and firms. You can recognize them by the orange sign on the roof. To hire a car, you can simply put out your hand, and the car will stop. There are many private taxi cars, driven by locals. Cost of Crimean taxi is significantly more than in other Ukrainian regions. Most drivers do not speak English.
Telephone
In Kiev 7-digit phone numbers are used, apart from emergency numbers, information services, etc. Local telephone network operated by “Ukrtelekom” Telephone boxes can be found in the streets, in stations, and in restaurants. Public telephones are operated by coins and cards, which you can buy at any post office and at the newsagents’. International calls are operated by Utel.
Mobile
Mostly territory of Crimea covered with GSM standard mobile communication. Operators include:
Life:) GSM 1800; Kyivstar GSM 900; UMC GSM 900. Tourists who arrived from the Atlantic will not be able to use their mobile phones in Ukraine and Autonomous Republic of Crimea, while tourists from Europe can take advantage of the net.
Emergency numbers:
Fire Service - 01
Police - 02
Ambulance - 03
Internet
Many hotels now offer their guest access to the Internet. Internet cafes can be found in most big towns.
Entertainment
There is a wide choice of restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, night clubs, casinos, etc. in Crimea.
Wild animals
There are no big predators in Crimea, but you should stay away from stray dogs, cats, and foxes – as they can carry rabies.
National cuisine
What are national cuisine peculiarities determined by? These are both the cultural traditions of every nation, and interconnection of different ethnic groups residing in the vicinity of each other, and the generosity of their native land presenting us with its excellent fruit, and, of course, the host’s hospitality. The Crimea land joyfully receives its guests bringing forward to them its best and delicious food. Dishes made by traditional Karaite and Crimean Tatar recipes can be the real adornment of the table.
The most famous dishes are: Koi kavurmasy (stewed mutton in Karaite style), Imam-baildy (vegetables in Tatar style), Yantyks (Karaite ries), Pakhlava (a Tatar recipe).
Drinks
The best and most popular drink in Crimea is wine. Crimean wine making has been around for several thousands of years; and is of the most ancient cultures of the peninsula. Every Crimean region is renowned today for its original wines.
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