What is the primary ethnic classification of Ukrainians, and what is their approximate worldwide population?

Ukrainians are classified as an East Slavic ethnic group. The approximate worldwide population of Ukrainians is around 46 million people.

How do Ukrainians rank in size among Slavic ethnic groups, and what are the two main aspects defining them?

Ukrainians are the second-largest Slavic ethnic group after Russians. They are defined by their native tongue, Ukrainian, and the majority adhere to Eastern Orthodoxy.

What is the estimated total worldwide population of Ukrainians, and which country has the largest population of ethnic Ukrainians?

The estimated total worldwide population of Ukrainians is approximately 46 million. The country with the largest population of ethnic Ukrainians is Ukraine itself.

According to the provided data, what are the top three countries with the largest ethnic Ukrainian populations?

Based on the provided data, the top three countries with the largest ethnic Ukrainian populations are Ukraine (37,541,700 in 2001), Russia (1,864,000 in 2023), and Poland (1,651,918 in 2023).

When was the name "Ukraine" first documented, and what were some earlier terms used for the people inhabiting these territories?

The name "Ukraine" was first documented in the Kievan Chronicle under the year 1187. Earlier terms used for the people included "Rus" or "Rusyns" (known as Ruthenians in Western and Central Europe) from the 14th to 16th centuries, referring to the territories of Ruthenia.

What is the traditional theory for the etymology of "Ukraine," and what is an alternative theory?

The traditional theory suggests "Ukraine" derives from the Proto-Slavic root *kraj-, meaning "homeland" or "edge/border," originally implying "periphery" or "borderland." An alternative theory distinguishes "ukraina" from "okraina," proposing that "ukraina" means "cut-off piece of land," thus acquiring the connotation of "our land" or "land allotted to us."

How did the ethnonym "Ukrainians" and the concept of a Ukrainian language gain prominence in the 19th century?

The ethnonym "Ukrainians" and the concept of a Ukrainian language gained prominence following the publication of Ivan Kotliarevsky's "Eneyida" (Aeneid) in 1798, which established the modern Ukrainian language. This, coupled with the Romantic revival of national traditions and culture, led to their increased visibility in the early 19th century.

What exonym was commonly used by Russians for Ukrainians after the decline of the Zaporozhian Sich, and how is it regarded today?

After the decline of the Zaporozhian Sich and the establishment of Imperial Russian hegemony, Ukrainians became more widely known by Russians as "Little Russians." This exonym is now regarded as a humiliating imperialist imposition.

What is the estimated number of Ukrainian citizens living in Russia, and what historical region in the Russian Far East is known as "Green Ukraine"?

Approximately 1.9 million Russian citizens identify as Ukrainian. The historical region in the Russian Far East known as "Green Ukraine" is home to about 800,000 people of Ukrainian ancestry.

What is the estimated number of people of Ukrainian origin living in North America, and which country has the largest Ukrainian diaspora there?

An estimated number of almost 2.4 million people of Ukrainian origin live in North America, with the largest portion, 1,359,655 as of 2016, residing in Canada.

Besides Russia and North America, which three countries are mentioned as having significant Ukrainian populations in the provided data?

Besides Russia and North America, the provided data mentions significant Ukrainian populations in Brazil (600,000-1,500,000 in 2015), Kazakhstan (387,000 in 2021), and Poland (1,651,918 in 2023).

From which early Slavic groups did the East Slavs emerge, and what state united them from the 9th to 13th centuries?

The East Slavs emerged from undifferentiated early Slavs during the Slavic migrations of the 6th and 7th centuries CE. The state of Kievan Rus' united the East Slavs from the 9th to 13th centuries.

Which East Slavic tribes are identified as "proto-Ukrainian," and which tribe is noted for founding Kyiv?

The East Slavic tribes cited as "proto-Ukrainian" include the Volhynians, Derevlianians, Polianians, and Siverianians, along with the Ulychians, Tivertsians, and White Croats. The Polianians are identified as the founders of the city of Kyiv.

What role did the Varangians play in the formation of Kievan Rus', and how did they assimilate?

In the early 9th century, Varangians from Scandinavia used Eastern European waterways for trade and raids, serving as key mercenary troops for princes in medieval Kyiv. Many Varangians eventually assimilated into the local Slavic population.

What did official Soviet historiography emphasize regarding the cultural unity of early Slavs, and what was the outcome of a 2022 poll on the "one people" thesis?

Official Soviet historiography emphasized "the cultural unity of 'proto-Ukrainians' and 'proto-Russians' in the fifth and sixth centuries." A poll conducted in April 2022 found that the vast majority (91%) of Ukrainians do not support the thesis that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people."

From which three main lineages do most Europeans, including Ukrainians, descend?

Most Europeans, including Ukrainians, largely descend from three distinct lineages: Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, Neolithic Early European Farmers who migrated from Anatolia, and Yamnaya Steppe pastoralists who expanded from the Pontic-Caspian steppe.

What is the most prevalent Y-haplogroup among Ukrainians, and what is its percentage?

The most prevalent Y-haplogroup among Ukrainians is R1a, found in 43% of the population. This variant, R1a-Z282, has been found significantly only in Eastern Europe.

How does the genetic pattern of Ukrainians compare to that of Belarusians and West Slavs?

In terms of Y-haplogroup distribution, the genetic pattern of Ukrainians most closely resembles that of Belarusians. Ukrainians have a similar percentage of Haplogroup R1a-Z280 compared to Belarusians, Russians, and Lithuanians, but less R1b than West Slavs.

What are some of the distinct ethnic sub-groups found in western Ukraine, and what is another name for Lemkos?

Distinct ethnic sub-groups found in western Ukraine include Hutsuls, Volhynians, Boykos, and Lemkos. Lemkos are also known as Carpathian-Ruthenians.

What led to the political fragmentation of Kievan Rus' after Yaroslav the Wise's death, and what external force destroyed the state?

Internecine wars among the princes of Rus', beginning after the death of Yaroslav the Wise, led to the political fragmentation of Kievan Rus'. The invasions of the Mongols in 1236 and 1240 finally destroyed the state.

Who is considered a key figure in forming the Cossack Hetmanate state, and what period of decline followed?

Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky is considered a key figure for his role in forming the Cossack Hetmanate state. The period of "The Ruin" in the late 17th century was characterized by the disintegration of Ukrainian statehood and general decline.

What government was established in Ukraine during the final stages of World War I, and what did its Fourth Universal declare?

The Central Rada, headed by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, was the newly established Ukrainian government during the final stages of World War I. Its Fourth Universal, issued on January 22, 1918, declared the independence and sovereignty of the Ukrainian National Republic.

What was the "Ukrainisation" policy, and what catastrophic event occurred in 1932-1933 that resulted in millions of Ukrainian deaths?

Ukrainisation was a policy pursued by national Communist leadership in Soviet Ukraine during the 1920s, encouraging a national renaissance in Ukrainian culture and language. The catastrophic event that occurred in 1932-1933 was the Holodomor, a man-made famine that led to millions of Ukrainians starving to death.

What is the estimated number of ethnic Ukrainians who fought in the Soviet Army during World War II?

The number of ethnic Ukrainians who fought in the ranks of the Soviet Army during World War II is estimated to be between 4.5 million and 7 million.

What accusations has historian Per Anders Rudling made regarding the Ukrainian diaspora's portrayal of Roman Shukhevych?

Historian Per Anders Rudling has accused the Ukrainian diaspora and Ukrainian academics of "ignoring, glossing over, or outright denying" Roman Shukhevych's role in war crimes, including his alleged responsibility for massacres of Polish civilians.

What event is considered a watershed period for modern Ukrainian national consciousness?

The struggle for independence during the creation of the Ukrainian People's Republic from 1917 to 1921 is considered the watershed period in the development of modern Ukrainian national consciousness.

What methods did Stalin's regime employ to suppress Ukrainian national consciousness?

Stalin's regime employed methods such as the man-made famine of 1932-1933 (Holodomor), the deportation of "kulaks," the physical annihilation of the nationally conscious intelligentsia, and general terror to destroy and subdue the Ukrainian nation.

What did the official declaration of Ukrainian sovereignty in 1990 state about the citizens of Ukraine?

The official declaration of Ukrainian sovereignty on July 16, 1990, stated that "citizens of the Republic of all nationalities constitute the people of Ukraine."

What is the official language of Ukraine, and to which Slavic language branch does it belong?

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian. It belongs to the East Slavic branch of the Slavic languages.

How does the mutual intelligibility of Ukrainian compare to Belarusian and Russian?

While comparisons are often made between Ukrainian and Russian, there is more mutual intelligibility between Ukrainian and Belarusian, with a very close lexical distance between Ukrainian and Belarusian.

What historical policies of Russification impacted the Ukrainian language in the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union?

Historically, state-enforced Russification saw the Ukrainian language banned from schools and as a language of instruction in the Russian Empire. This linguistic oppression continued in various ways during the Soviet Union era, although the language persisted, especially in western Ukraine.

What is the majority religion among Ukrainians, and how do they rank among ethno-linguistic groups in Eastern Orthodoxy adherence?

The majority religion among Ukrainians is Eastern Orthodoxy. Ukrainians form the second-largest ethno-linguistic group among Eastern Orthodox adherents globally.

What is the most common Orthodox Church in Ukraine, and what is the status of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Halychyna?

The most common Orthodox Church in Ukraine is the autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine, headed by Metropolitan Epiphanius. In the western region of Halychyna, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has a strong membership.

What is Ukraine often called due to its grain resources, and what is considered its national delicacy?

Ukraine is often called the "Breadbasket of Europe" due to its plentiful grain and cereal resources. Salo, which is cured pork fat, is considered the national delicacy.

What are some popular traditional Ukrainian dishes mentioned in the text?

Popular traditional Ukrainian dishes mentioned include varenyky (dumplings), nalysnyky (crêpes), kapusnyak (cabbage soup), nudli (dumpling stew), borscht (sour soup), and holubtsi (cabbage rolls).

What are some distinctive ethnocultural features of Ukrainians related to music, and how is traditional Ukrainian music often described?

Distinctive ethnocultural features of Ukrainians include their folk oral literature, poetry, and songs, such as the "dumas." Traditional Ukrainian music is often recognized by its somewhat melancholy tone.

How is Ukrainian dance often described, and what other cultural item is recognized worldwide alongside it?

Ukrainian dance is often described as energetic, fast-paced, and entertaining. Alongside traditional Easter eggs (pysanky), it is considered a characteristic example of Ukrainian culture appreciated worldwide.

What are Ukraine's national symbols, and what do the colors of its flag represent?

Ukraine's national symbols include its flag and its coat of arms. The flag's blue and yellow colors represent a blue sky above yellow fields of wheat.

What is the status of the "Historiography" section in the provided text?

The "Historiography" section in the provided text is marked as empty, indicating that no content was available for that section.

What demographic topic and list of individuals are mentioned in the "See also" section?

The "See also" section mentions the "Demographics of Ukraine" and a "List of Ukrainians."

What is the context for the mention of "Liakhove Ukrainian" in the Galician-Volhynian Chronicle?

The Galician-Volhynian Chronicle mentions "Liakhove Ukrainian" (literally "Polish Ukrainians" or "Ukrainian Poles") in the context of a Polish raid on Kholm in 1268, referring to a group that warned the city's inhabitants of the approaching enemy.

What is the significance of Prudentópolis in Brazil concerning the Ukrainian diaspora?

Prudentópolis in Brazil is noted as a location with a significant Ukrainian diaspora, with the text referencing it in relation to the Ukrainian population in Brazil.

What are the titles of the two books listed in the bibliography?

The two books listed in the bibliography are "A History of Ukraine" by Paul R. Magocsi and "The Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation" (2nd ed.) by Andrew Wilson.

What question does Vasyl Balushok's article in Zerkalo Nedeli address regarding the origin of the Ukrainian nation?

Vasyl Balushok's article in Zerkalo Nedeli (April 23-May 6, 2005) addresses the question, "When was the Ukrainian nation born?"

What information is available about Ukrainians on the Encyclopedia of Ukraine website?

The Encyclopedia of Ukraine website provides information on various aspects related to Ukrainians, including their history, language, cultural elements, and distribution worldwide.

What historical racial map of Europe is linked in the external links section?

The external links section includes a link to "Hammond's Racial map of Europe, 1919."

What does the "Peoples of Europe / Die Voelker Europas 1914" link provide?

The "Peoples of Europe / Die Voelker Europas 1914" link provides information on the ethnic composition of Europe in 1914, presented in German.

What does the "Ethno-Linguistic Map of Europe Before 1914" show?

The "Ethno-Linguistic Map of Europe Before 1914" illustrates the distribution of ethnic and linguistic groups across Europe prior to the First World War.

What is the subject of the "Illuminating Ukrainian Anthropology" link?

The "Illuminating Ukrainian Anthropology" link discusses typical physical traits of Ukrainians, aiming to provide insights into their anthropological characteristics.

Ukrainians Wiki: The Ukrainian Tapestry: Heritage and Identity

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Introduction to the Ukrainian People

Who are Ukrainians?

Ukrainians constitute an East Slavic ethnic group, indigenous to Ukraine. Their primary language is Ukrainian, and the majority adhere to Eastern Orthodoxy, forming the second-largest ethno-linguistic community globally among Orthodox adherents. With a worldwide population approximating 46 million, they represent the second-largest Slavic ethnic group after Russians.

Ethnonyms and Identity

Historically, Ukrainians have been referred to by various exonyms, including "Ruthenians" under Polish-Lithuanian and Habsburg rule, and "Little Russians" within the Russian Empire. The ethnonym "Ukrainians" gained prominence during the national revival of the late 18th century, becoming widely adopted in the 19th century. The concept of a civic nation, encompassing all citizens of Ukraine regardless of ethnicity, also holds significance.

Origins and Ancestry

The East Slavs, from whom Ukrainians trace their lineage, emerged from early Slavic migrations around the 6th-7th centuries CE. The state of Kievan Rus', established in the 9th century, united these tribes. Key ancestral groups identified include the Polianians, Derevlianians, Volhynians, and Siverianians, who played pivotal roles in the formation of the Kievan Rus' state and its cultural development.

Geographic Distribution

Homeland: Ukraine

The predominant population of ethnic Ukrainians resides in Ukraine, where they constitute the majority, comprising over three-quarters of the nation's populace. The 2001 census indicated approximately 37.5 million ethnic Ukrainians within Ukraine.

Global Diaspora

Significant Ukrainian communities exist worldwide, reflecting a substantial diaspora. Major populations are found in Russia (approx. 1.9 million), Poland (over 1.6 million), Canada (approx. 1.36 million), the United States (approx. 1.26 million), Germany (approx. 1.12 million), and Brazil (estimated 600,000 to 1.5 million). Other notable communities are present in Kazakhstan, Moldova, Argentina, Italy, and numerous other countries across the globe.

Historical Migrations

During the late 19th century, geopolitical pressures led to significant population movements. Ukrainians under Tsarist rule were often compelled to relocate to the Asian regions of Russia, while those under Austro-Hungarian governance frequently emigrated to the Americas in search of economic opportunities, contributing to the formation of large diaspora communities.

Historical Trajectory

Kievan Rus' and Successor States

The foundation of Ukrainian identity is deeply rooted in the medieval state of Kievan Rus' (9th-13th centuries), formed by Varangian and Slavic interactions. Following its fragmentation and eventual destruction by the Mongol invasions, the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia (1199-1349) emerged as a significant successor state in the western territories.

The Cossack Hetmanate

From the late 15th century, the Zaporozhian Cossacks established a powerful military and political entity. The formation of the Cossack Hetmanate under Bohdan Khmelnytsky in 1648 marked a crucial period of proto-statehood. However, the subsequent era, known as "The Ruin," witnessed internal division and external pressures, leading to the partition of Ukrainian lands.

Independence and Soviet Era

The early 20th century saw a resurgence of national aspirations, culminating in the declaration of the Ukrainian National Republic (UNR) in 1918. Despite a brief period of independence, Ukraine was subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union. The Soviet period was marked by policies of Ukrainization in the 1920s, followed by severe repression, including the Holodomor famine (1932-1933), and significant population losses during World War II.

Modern Identity

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the re-establishment of an independent Ukraine. This marked a definitive shift away from Soviet-era policies and a strengthening of Ukrainian national consciousness. Contemporary polls indicate a strong rejection of the notion that Russians and Ukrainians are a single people, underscoring a distinct national identity.

Cultural Landscape

Language and Literature

Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine, belonging to the East Slavic language family. Its development traces back to Old East Slavic, with historical influences from Ruthenian and later Russian. Despite periods of Russification and suppression, the language has persevered and is a cornerstone of Ukrainian identity, notably championed by literary figures like Ivan Kotliarevsky.

Religious Adherence

The spiritual landscape of Ukraine is predominantly shaped by Eastern Orthodoxy, with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine being the most prevalent denomination. Historically, Byzantine influence introduced Christianity, with Prince Vladimir's baptism of Rus' in the 10th century being a pivotal event. Western Ukraine also has a significant presence of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, alongside various Protestant denominations and minority religions.

Culinary Traditions

Ukrainian cuisine reflects its rich history and fertile lands, often referred to as the "Breadbasket of Europe." Staples include chicken, pork, potatoes, cabbage, and beets. Iconic dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (cabbage rolls), and the national delicacy salo (cured pork fat) are central to its culinary heritage. Traditional baked goods like korovai and paska are also significant.

Arts and Symbols

Ukrainian music is characterized by its diverse influences and often melancholic tone, with notable composers like Bortniansky and Prokofiev emerging from the region. Ukrainian folk dance, particularly the energetic Hopak, is internationally recognized. National symbols, including the blue and yellow flag and the trident coat of arms, represent the nation's sky, wheat fields, and historical lineage.

Genetic Heritage

European Lineages

Like most Europeans, Ukrainians largely descend from three primary ancestral lineages: Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, Neolithic farmers migrating from Anatolia, and Yamnaya Steppe pastoralists who expanded from the Pontic-Caspian steppe around 5,000 years ago, contributing to Indo-European migrations.

Genetic Diversity

Studies of Ukrainian genomes reveal significant genetic diversity, with nearly 500,000 unique genetic variants identified. Analysis places Ukrainian genetic clusters between Northern and Western European populations, with notable overlap with Central European and Balkan groups, reflecting complex historical interactions and migrations.

Y-Haplogroup Distribution

The prevalent Y-haplogroups among Ukrainians, in order of prevalence, are R1a (43%), I2a (23%), R1b (8%), E1b1b (7%), I1 (5%), N1 (5%), J2 (4%), G (3%), and T (1%). Haplogroup R1a, particularly R1a-Z282, is common in Eastern Europe, while I2a is more prevalent in the Balkan region.

Related Peoples and Groups

Regional Sub-groups

Within Ukraine and adjacent territories, distinct ethnic sub-groups exist, particularly in western regions. Notable among these are the Hutsuls, Boykos, Lemkos (also known as Carpatho-Rusyns), and Volhynians, each possessing unique dialects, traditional attire, and folk customs.

East Slavic Context

Ukrainians are classified as East Slavs, sharing common linguistic and cultural roots with Belarusians and Russians. While mutual intelligibility exists, Ukrainian exhibits distinct lexical and phonetic characteristics. Historical relationships have been complex, influenced by shared ancestry and periods of political dominance and cultural exchange.

Historiography

Scholarly Study

The study of Ukrainian history and identity is an ongoing academic pursuit. While the provided source material indicates an empty section for detailed historiographical analysis, the historical narrative presented highlights the complex interplay of external influences, internal struggles for statehood, and the resilience of Ukrainian national consciousness through various epochs.

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References

Wilson, Andrew. Ukrainian nationalism in the 1990s: a minority faith. Cambridge University Press, 1997.

Kushniarevich A, Utevska O (2015) "Genetic Heritage of the Balto-Slavic Speaking Populations: A Synthesis of Autosomal, Mitochondrial and Y-Chromosomal Data"

Alexander Varzari, "Population History of the Dniester-Carpathians: Evidence from Alu Insertion and Y-Chromosome Polymorphisms" (2006)

Rosefielde, Steven. "Excess Mortality in the Soviet Union: A Reconsideration of the Demographic Consequences of Forced Industrialization, 1929â1949." Soviet Studies 35 (July 1983): 385â409

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ukrainians Wikipedia page

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This is not professional advice. The content herein does not constitute historical, cultural, or ethnic consultation. Readers are encouraged to consult original sources and academic experts for in-depth understanding and specific applications of this information.

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The Ukrainian Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction to the Ukrainian People 🇺🇦

👥 Who are Ukrainians?

🏷️ Ethnonyms and Identity

🌱 Origins and Ancestry

Geographic Distribution 🌍

📍 Homeland: Ukraine

🌐 Global Diaspora

⏳ Historical Migrations

Historical Trajectory 📜

🏰 Kievan Rus' and Successor States

⚔️ The Cossack Hetmanate

✊ Independence and Soviet Era

🕊️ Modern Identity

Cultural Landscape 🎨

🗣️ Language and Literature

🙏 Religious Adherence

🍲 Culinary Traditions

🎶 Arts and Symbols

Genetic Heritage 🧬

🌳 European Lineages

📊 Genetic Diversity

🔬 Y-Haplogroup Distribution

Related Peoples and Groups 🔗

🏘️ Regional Sub-groups

🤝 East Slavic Context

Historiography 🧐

📚 Scholarly Study

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction to the Ukrainian People

Who are Ukrainians?

Ethnonyms and Identity

Origins and Ancestry

Geographic Distribution

Homeland: Ukraine

Global Diaspora

Historical Migrations

Historical Trajectory

Kievan Rus' and Successor States

The Cossack Hetmanate

Independence and Soviet Era

Modern Identity

Cultural Landscape

Language and Literature

Religious Adherence

Culinary Traditions

Arts and Symbols

Genetic Heritage

European Lineages

Genetic Diversity

Y-Haplogroup Distribution

Related Peoples and Groups

Regional Sub-groups

East Slavic Context

Historiography

Scholarly Study

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice