Kherson is distinguished among other regional centers of Ukraine by its specific location, historic development and economic potential. It is situated on the Dnieper right bank in the most magnificent part of the river - its estuary with numerous distributaries, channels, lakes, at the distance of 36 km from the place, where the third largest river in Europe flows into the Dnieper- Bug Liman of the Black Sea.

Shady parks, squares, broad residential districts, spacious factory buildings occupy more than 6.5 thousand hectares. About 350 thousand people live in Kherson. Various nationalities live in friendship and understanding. Ukrainian and Russian, Greek and Armenian, Tatar and Jewish, Polish and Turkish - different languages are spoken in the province everyday and through activities.

Ship building has priority among machine building industries of the region. The Kherson shipbuilding yard carries out orders for building ships and installation of shipboard equipment not only from ship-owners but it also meets demands of many other industries regarding technically complicated articles.

In the same branch operates one more enterprise, which enjoys high reputation not only on Ukraine but also beyond its borders. The enterprise called The Pallada is specialized in production of reinforced concrete pontoon- moorings and mooring lines. Reinforced concrete pontoons of its make are able to serve as the base for floating hotels, granaries, power stations. Floating docks made at this enterprise perform successfully their duties in many countries of the world including Russia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Bulgaria, and other countries.

The fuel branch of the Region is represented by the "Khersonneftepererabotka" (Kherson oil refining) Open Joint- Stock Company which is one of the biggest refineries in Ukraine. Structurally it is a ramified technological complex embracing two plants for the primary oil refining of various outputs, a plant for the secondary oil refining (reforming, coking), and some bitumen plants.

The "Elektromash" (Electrical machines) Ltd. manufactures electrical equipment and spare parts to automobiles and tractors. The factory cooperates successfully with Russian and inland companies.

The "Zavod Karddannykh valov" (Cardan shaft factory) Ltd. is specialized in production of cardan shafts and spare parts to them for trucks, buses, trolley-buses of all kinds, and tractors. Besides, the factory manufactures filter elements for trucks, cardan joints, tie- rods, etc.

The light industry holds an important place in the city's industrial complex. It is represented by the largest in Europe Cotton Mill, the Joint-Stock Society "Krasen", which supplies men and women clothes to the customers from the USA, Germany, Slovakia and other foreign countries.
The processing industry is represented by "Khersonskyi Kombinat Khliboproductiv" ("Kherson Cereal Integrated Plant"), the dairy factory, the creamery, the Soft Drinks Factory "Dzherelo" and others. Kherson canned fruit and vegetables, produced by the "Pivdennyi Konservnyi Zavod Dytyachoho Kharchuvannya" ("Southern Canning Factory of Infant Food") in particular, are well-known among the customers. The Joint-Stock Society "UkrSkloProm" ("Ukrainian Glass Works Industry") satisfies more than a half of needs for glass containers in Ukraine.

Priority importance is attached to development of small and medium entrepreneurship in Kherson. The Registration Chamber of Private Entrepreneurs and Businessmen in Kherson was opened the second in Ukraine. Now there are almost 5 thousand small enterprises in Kherson not only in the trade and public catering sectors but also in construction and industry.

Kherson is a significant transport junction in the South of Ukraine. Using its advantageous geographical location, it holds up an old tradition from the time of its foundation way back in 1778. First of all, the single on the Dniepro merchant sea port, as well as a river port, which develop actively, are the Kherson's issues to foreign countries.

A modern Railway Station, which completely changed its exterior and interior upon the 225 anniversary of Kherson, celebrated in 2003, became a railroad gate of the city. Its renovation as well as renovation of platform meets the European standards requirements. An auspicious highway network gives an opportunity to connect with any place in Ukraine and abroad.

Kherson has cultural diversions to offer, places to spend spare time. The regional Music and Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre are at the Khersoners and Kherson guests' disposition. A big cinema and concert hall "Yuvileynyi", Art Museum and Museum of local history and geography, cultural and rest centers, libraries function in the city.

The corner stone of the city development is highly skilled educated work force. With three universities, state-owned and privately-owned higher educational institutions, shipbuilding university branch, colleges and professional training schools, a full range of post-graduate programs Kherson offers solid education system.

The Kherson's historic past attracts attention of its guests. Kherson was founded by the Russian Empress Kateryna II. Historic monuments, in particular Ochakivski Gate, the monument to the first shipbuilders and other, remind of it now. On the occasion of the 225 anniversary of Kherson the monument to its founder Hryhoriy Potyomkin, which was demounted by the former reformers of social life in 1921, was renewed. The Princes' ashes lay in the Katerynynskyi Cathedral.

Rich historic monuments, significant economic potential, grateful natural conditions give an opportunity to make investment, organize cultural diversions, as well as to improve people's health. What joy you can get from looking at the luxuriant green Dnieper reedy places and from fishing with an angle at quiet glides! Sandy beaches and a small zoo in Hydropark invite their visitors. By the way, one sixth of the territory of Kherson is occupied by a green zone and flowers.

Development of export-oriented and import-substituting productions, as well as elevation of small and middle entrepreneurship, extending of telecommunication networks and transport infrastructure is the priority direction of the further progress of the city and strengthening of its economics. Enlargement of agricultural products processing, development of housing and public utilities are also included in plans of the progress.