The contemporary city of Kiev– is one of the biggest cities in Europe. It stands pre-eminent as the administrative, economic, research, cultural and educational centre of a new independent state of Ukraine which is one of the largest European countries, with the area of 603, 700 sq. km and a population of 50, 500, 000 (as per 1st January 2000). The area of Kiev is 836 sq. km. Only 350 sq. km or 42,3% have been built up within the city limits. All the rest is the area of reservoirs and forest tracts and green plantings in general use. The area of forest tracts and green plantings constitutes 214 sq. m per one citizen; this is one of the best indicators in the world. The population in Kiev was 2, 626, 500 in 2000.