Not so weird, its use is governed by convention. Country names derived from geographical feature take a definite article. Country Names and 'The': The Ukraine

Not so weird, its use is governed by convention. Country names derived from geographical feature take a definite article. Country Names and 'The': The Ukraine or Ukraine https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/country-names-and-the-the-ukraine-or-ukraine https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/country-...