Sumy region is situated in the northeast of Ukraine. The total geographic area is 23,880 square kilometres. The population of Sumy region was 1 384 thousand persons in 2000. It borders on Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod regions of Russian Federation in north and northeast. In whole the length of borders on Russia in Sumy region is the longest compared with the other Ukraine’s regions.

Favourable geographical location of the region provides all conditions for its harmonious development. Seven main gas and oil pipelines (Urengoy - Pomary - Uzhgorod, Kursk - Sumy - Kiev, Kiev - Bryansk etc.) pass through Sumy region territory.

The major branches of industry in Sumy region are: engineering and metal working, fuel, food and chemical industries. Now these spheres account over 90 % of the total industrial output in the region.

More than 60,000 people work in engineering and metal working spheres. Engineering complex specializes in production of high technology items for chemical and petroleum-refining industries, gas transfer units, pumps, industrial pipelines valves, technological equipment for processing industry and other products. The leading Companies of the region are JSC “Sumy Frunze NPO”, JSC “Nasosenergomash”, JSC “Tsentrolit”, JSC “Motordetal-Pravex” and “Chervony Metalist” (Konotop), JSC “Naftaprommash” (Akhtyrka), “Poligraphmash”(Romny) and others.

Fuel and energy complex is more than 20 % in the region industrial structure and includes Companies for oil, gas and peat extraction, electric and heat power production. Sumy region produces more than 40% of the crude oil and about 10% of natural gas produced in the country. The region leader of this branch is oil and gas producing Company “Akhtyrkaneftegas”.

There are 9 Companies of chemical industry in Sumy region. They produce mineral fertilizers, sulphuric acid, chemical reagents, varnishes and paints, magnetic tapes, films etc. The largest Companies of chemical branch are JSC “Sumykhimprom” and “Svema” (Shostka). In addition, dozens of Companies for light, food and other industries successfully work in the region.

Sumy, founded in 1655, is the administrative centre of the region. The population of the town is 302.1 thousand people. The main industrial potential of the region is concentrated in Sumy. More than 50 % region industrial products are manufactured there.

Besides Sumy is one of the oldest cities of Slobodskaya Ukraine with a rich history and traditions. Sumy inhabitants are proud of architecture monuments, theatres and museums of their town.