Zakarpattya region is the only region of Ukraine located beyond the main Carpathian mountain chains. This fact accentuates its remote transport position from the rest of the territory of the country, connection with which is possible only through mountain-passes. At the same time it borders on four countries: Poland (33 km.), Slovakia (98 km), Hungary (135 km) and Romania (190 km).
The region occupies central position on the European subcontinent: according to one of the versions the geographical centre of Europe is near the village of Dilove near Rakhiv. The region"s total area is 12,800 sq. km. There are 13 districts, 10 towns, 28 small towns, 561 village settlements in Zakarpattya. The centre of the region is Uzhhorod. The major part of the region"s territory is occupied by forest-covered mountains (the highest peak is Hoverla, 2061 m.). Strictly speaking timber resources are the main wealth of the region. The forests are characterized by the high value species (beech, fir, oak, pine). The forests have considerable stores of medicinal herbs, berries, mushrooms, game. They are the source of fresh air or, as they are sometimes called, the lungs of Ukraine.
The region is rich in rather varied mineral resources: tufa, marble, limestone, alumina, kaolins, gravel, quartzite, salt, cinnabar, alunites, etc. The first Ukrainian Muzhiyiv gold-field has also been discovered here in the district of Berehiv.
The land is also rich in recreation resources, such as mineral waters, climate, mountainous relief, lakes and mountain streams. Over 59 mineral springs with medicinal water of various types are the basis of health resorts, rest homes, and other spa treatment facilities centered here. The combination of the picturesque landscapes of various height with pure mountain air supports the development of tourism throughout the year.
Zakarpattya has preserved 10 historical parks ( Laudon"s park and Pidzamkoviy in Uzhhorod, Pereny park in Vynohradovo , Shenborns" park in the Carpaths, park of 140 exotic trees and bushes in Mukachevo, Vagner"s park in Nevytsky castle) and 415 nature reserve areas.
Up to nowadays 12 mediaeval castles have been preserved in Zakarpattya, among them Uzhhorod castle, Mukachevo castle, Levytsky castle, etc. At present over 30 monasteries function in the region, the most ancient are Mukachevo, Uholsky, Drahiv, Imstychevo, Boronyava, Malobereznyansky, others dating back to the XX century. Up to the present the palaces of the ancient nobility have been preserved in the region: Shenborns" palace (Carpaths), Pereny (vynohradiv), Dovhoyi (Dovhe), Racotsi (Mukachevo), Druhet (Uzhhorod, Horyany), Betleny (Berehovo), Ploteny (VXazy, near Uzhhorod).
Zakarpattya has a rich history. There are 1817 historical monuments, 496 archeological monuments, 48 art monuments in the region.
The population of Zakarpattya is 1,287,400 people.
The representatives of about 76 nationalities live in the region: Ukrainians, Ruthyns, Hungarians, Russians, Romanians", Roms, Slovaks, Germans, Jews, Belorussians, etc. The land is famous for viticulture.
Svalyava region, with its famous health resort "Kvitka Polonyny", is one of the most prospective resort and health care regions not only in Zakarpattya, but in all Ukraine. The beauty and generosity of the nature attract those willing to get an active rest, go on a hike, or have some medical treatment. A whole chain of health resort institutions has been established on its territory, its mineral waters springs are the basis for functioning of the numerous health resorts.