Reader's Digest guide to places includes new entry on Ukraine

by Tony Leliw

LONDON - For decades, Reader's Digest has been published in Britain. Known globally for its monthly magazines that sell 27 million copies in 19 different countries, the publication released a book titled "Guide to Places of the World" in 1987.

This 800 page book provides an overview of the nations of the world, including information such as history, geography and current political government. This makes it a valuable reference book for any library.

In 1995 a second edition of this guide appeared; it included material about the countries that appeared following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The book's editors included Ukraine, one of the biggest countries in Europe.

The piece gives an eloquent and concise history of Ukraine, charting its political and economic growth right up to the election of President Leonid Kuchma. According to the guide, Ukraine is the granary of Eastern Europe and Ukrainians are a hard-working and proud people.

The reader is given a remarkable snapshot of the country. Businessmen may be keen to learn of the country's major industries and exports, environmentalists can duel on the legacy of Chornobyl, and students of history and politics are given a short background to the country from the times of Kyivan-Rus.

The rich potential of the country is further exemplified by the authors listing of Ukraine's mineral resources (iron, ore manganese, mercury, among others) and main products like timber, grains, dairy products, oil and natural gas.

At the time of the book going to press, annual per capita income in Ukraine was $2,323 (U.S.); population growth (per thousand/year) was -2, and life expectancy was 65 for males and 75 for females.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 29, 1997, No. 26, Vol. LXV

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