Ivano-Frankivsk

Ivano-Frankivsk is one of the largest cities in Galicia, the regional center of Ivano-Frankivsk region, the cultural and economic center of the Carpathian region. The city was founded in 1662; its name was changed three times during the history of the city. At the beginning name was Stanislav, Stanislavov, and finally Ivano-Frankivsk.

The population of Ivano-Frankivsk is a little less than 250 thousand people now. In the early 20th century there were about 30 thousand inhabitants. Ethnic composition in the last 100-plus years has changed dramatically, at the end of the 19th century, the bulk of the inhabitants were Jewish and Polish nationality and only 15% were Ukrainians. It is more than 90% of the population is Ukrainians now.

The exact date of Ivano-Frankivsk foundation is unknown, but the year of receipt by Stanislav Magdeburg law is considered year of foundation the city through the merger of two villages (Zabolottya and the Knyagina).

The climate of Ivano-Frankivsk is temperate continental as well as most of Ukraine, only a little more humid than the eastern regions of the country. The winter in the western part of Ukraine softer than in Sumy or Kharkiv region.

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Throughout its history, the city was part of Poland, the Habsburg Empire (the Austrian Empire, later Austria-Hungary). Short period of time Stanislaw was the capital of the West Ukrainian People's Republic. Then again city becomes a part of Poland. Poland was divided Soviet Union and Germany in 1939. Next was the Nazi occupation and then the Soviet troops occupied the city in 1944. And finally, Ukraine declared its independence in 1991 and Ivano-Frankivsk since then is a part of the independent Ukraine.

There is developed industry in Ivano-Frankivsk. There are companies represent light industry, food industry, metal processing, mechanical engineering, wood processing, production of building materials. Industrial enterprises are located on the outskirts of the city. Banks, administrative and socio-cultural institutions are located in the center.

According to information for 2011 there were in Ivano-Frankivsk 23 hotels and motels that can simultaneously accommodate about 1,200 guests. The city has more than a dozen shopping centers and hypermarkets.

There are an international airport of the same name, train, bus stations, intercity transport buses, trolley buses and numerous taxis. Long-distance transport in Ukraine is mainly carried out by bus and rail. Rail transport also connects Ivano-Frankovsk with various countries, such as Poland, Germany, Moldova, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Baltic countries. Flights from the international airport of Ivano-Frankovsk go to Rome, Kiev, Moscow and Antalya.

The city has more than two dozen schools and there are about 12 institutions of higher education. There are up to 2 colleges, high schools and vocational schools. In Ivano-Frankivsk are published more than 10 newspapers, there are 3 local TV channel. It is broadcasts about 15 radio stations. In the city are 2 theaters, philharmonic, 3 cinemas.

Ivano-Frankivsk has more than a dozen museums, many small parks and 6 big parks. Ivano-Frankivsk is known for a variety of festivals and cultural events.

Most of believers in the city are Greek Catholics also there are Ukrainian Orthodox community of Kiev, Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Church.

In Ivano-Frankivsk are developed sports teams which consist of 4 football club, hockey club and basketball club «Goverla" that plays in the Super League of Ukraine since 2008.

Dozens national architecture importance of history monuments and monuments to prominent figures of Ukraine are situated in the city. There are 5 fountains in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Ivano-Frankivsk has 23 sister cities in different countries such as Romania, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, USA.