History of Ukraine as an independent state starts from August 24, 1991 - the day of adoption by the Supreme Council of the USSR Act of Independence.Held December 1, 1991 referendum overwhelmingly approved the decision.What kind of success achieved is a young country in 30 years?
Legacy Soviet
Until the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine remained the most developed republic in its composition.Ukrainian industry has more than 300 branches.The greatest successes it has achieved in metallurgy, electric power, mechanical engineering, mining, chemical industry, agriculture.
Here are just some of the indicators of the republic within the USSR:
- 50% of iron ore;
- 36% of steel production;
- 62% of sugar production;
- 32% of vegetable oil;
- 71% of livestock products.
was also developed military-industrial complex.Famous ballistic missiles "Satan" was collected in Dnepropetrovsk Pivdenmash.
New History
Ukraine's GDP in 1991 was 81.5 billion. USD. The gap of economic relations and the economic downturn in all the republics of the former Soviet Union caused a prolonged crisis in Ukraine.The most serious appeared in 1999, when Ukraine's GDP dropped to 40.8 billion.
The crisis killed many high-tech production.The main export items in Ukraine have remained agriculture, metallurgy and chemical industry.Ukraine's GDP growth did not contribute to political instability in the country.Ukraine's population is divided roughly equally into 2 parts.One can be described as pro-Western, the other - the pro-Russian.
As a result, Ukraine all the time could not decide with its development strategy.The change was accompanied by the president and the change of course - to the West or Russia.During one of such political exacerbations occurred gas conflict with Russia, which resulted in the price of imported gas has risen sharply.It was another blow to the Ukrainian industry.
dramatic events of 2014 and did put an end to cooperation between the two countries.The crisis of the automotive industry topple it.Issue of new cars to a halt.Ukraine, GDP per capita and that was so low, this indicator has slipped to 111th in the world.
weakness of the central government - is also the hallmark of Ukraine.Privatization in Russia and Ukraine took place in a similar way.As a result, the most profitable industry in the hands of a narrow layer.Any president of Ukraine must necessarily take into account the interests of the oligarchic clans, which have gained considerable autonomy, participate in political life, control the media and lead a hidden struggle between the echoes of which appear in newspapers and on television.
Another problem - the conflict of the president and parliament.Parties overtighten powers for themselves, as a result of Ukraine in its short history has visited the presidential and parliamentary republic.Such conditions did not contribute to any investment, nor the development of high technologies.The structure of the economy is constantly simplified main export was the metal and agricultural products.
comparing the standard of living in Russia and Ukraine
Despite the fact that all macroeconomic indicators in Russia than in Ukraine, the standard of living in these countries until recently, was comparable.The difference in salaries was offset by significantly lower prices, especially for food.On average, they cost in Ukraine by 30-50% cheaper.Housing services also to 2014 in Russia were significantly more expensive.
In 2014-2015, Ukraine was forced by the IMF to raise tariffs on electricity, gas and heat to the population.These measures were designed to equalize the balance of payments, but they caused a dramatic impoverishment of the population.Ukraine Russia today resembles the early '90s with the same problems - unrest in the region, low standard of living, a huge public debt and dependence on foreign creditors.
Industry of Ukraine by regions
If you look at the statistics, Ukraine's GDP by regions, it becomes clear that the main contribution to its formation is made Donetsk, Luhansk, Dnipropetrovsk and Odessa regions.Lugansk and Donetsk regions constitute a single industrial complex - the Donbas.
Their contribution to the economy - 17% of GDP.It focused almost all the coal-mining industry and many smelters.Good development of animal husbandry and agriculture.The share of arable land in these areas is 80%.
Dnipropetrovsk region has rich deposits of iron ore and non-ferrous metals.In addition to the metal smelting, she became famous for engineering and manufacturing in space and missile industries.
leader on GDP contribution is Kiev from 18.9%.This is a financial and scientific center of Ukraine.But it is worth considering that many of the largest enterprises in the capital account, and activities carried out in other areas.
Western region economically underdeveloped.This region lives mainly from agriculture and trade.The exception is perhaps that in Lviv, where there is industrial production.In the north-east of Ukraine is well developed chemical industry.
Dynamics of Ukrainian GDP data
During its independence, Ukraine has experienced several ups and downs.According to the schedule changes in GDP are several moments.From 1992 to 1999 there was a fall of GDP.Then for 8 years I have seen the growth of GDP, but the global crisis of 2008 hit and Ukraine, which coincided with the gas conflict with Russia and the odds of President Viktor Yushchenko and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
By 2012, succeeded in stabilizing the economy, but not for long.Until 2014 it continued slight decline in production.The resignation of President Yanukovych and the subsequent separation of the Crimea and the war in the Donbass have led to a new crisis.
Outlook and Outlook
In light of the ongoing conflict in the east of Ukraine about any stability can not be considered.The fall of the hryvnia 3 times exacerbated the problem of external debt.Now he has exceeded 100% of GDP.Many experts are expected to default on external obligations of Ukraine this year.Against this backdrop, the fall in GDP of Ukraine 9% seems extremely optimistic outlook.The stabilization of the economy, first of all, depends on the cessation of military confrontation.
