Comparing the development of Ukraine with that of its neighbours, as well as its
"reference group” of EU-countries like Poland, countries in transition, or even highly
developed Western states shows where Ukraine stands. Especially in its 20th year of
independence, Ukraine needs to know the experience of others who have successfully
mastered the thorny path of transition.
Ukraine in the World 2011 with its international statistics thus comes at the right
time. Be it politics, economy, energy, demographics, or the military – the reader can
easily compare and (re)think the achievements of the Ukrainian society, economy
and the state. Readable descriptions of indexes help to understand what each table
or graph is about: From GDP per capita to the number of dealers of luxury cars interesting
statistics are all around in this booklet. As this is already the second edition of
Ukraine in the World the reader can also compare the development of Ukraine vis-àvis
the previous year(s).
And he can critically judge: One’s own actions as a citizen, politician, businessman,
clerk or worker as well as the behavior of political and economic leaders.
As knowing is always the best guideline for acting, the reader may choose to act
to bring Ukraine forward in its efforts at a successful transition to democracy, the rule
of law, market economy and, last but not least, European integration.
I wish you an inspiring and critical reading!
Nico Lange
Director of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Ukraine
Kiev, march 2011
