The system of Ukrainian subdivisions reflects country's status as a unitary state. Ukraine is subdivided into twenty-four oblasts (provinces) and one autonomous republic Crimea. Two cities, Kiev and Sevastopol, have a special legal status. The oblasts are subdivided into 494 districts.
Different provinces were under the rule of different countries in the past what caused a big historical and cultural difference. Architecture, dialects, traditions, attitude towards questions of the national scale varies if you travel through Ukraine.
Recently the biggest issue became the confrontation of the East and West of Ukraine. It has a big influence on politics and economy.