Overview of Belarus

Profile

A green inland country where forests cover about 40% of the land, with Polesie, one of Europe's largest wetlands, in the south. It gained independence with the collapse of the Soviet Union but maintains extremely strong political and economic ties with Russia to this day. Under the long-term presidency of Lukashenko, socialist price controls and welfare have been preserved while authoritarian governance continues. It has strengths in technical fields such as IT development and large heavy machinery manufacturing, with diverse tourism resources including the World Heritage sites of Mir Castle and Białowieża Forest.

Official name: Republic of Belarus
Common name: Belarus
Numeric code: 112
Alpha-3 code: BLR
Alpha-2 code: BY
Population: approximately 9.16 million (2024)
Population density: approximately 46 people/km²
Primary languages: Belarusian, Russian
Major religions: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic
National anthem: We Belarusians
Calling code: +375
Internet TLD: .by

History

A former Soviet republic that gained independence in 1991 after being ruled by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Poland, and the Russian Empire.

In the Middle Ages, the Principality of Polotsk flourished, and from the 14th century, it developed as the central region of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was integrated into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by the Union of Lublin in 1569, and became part of the Russian Empire at the end of the 18th century partitions. After World War I and the Russian Revolution, the Byelorussian Soviet Republic was established, and suffered tremendous damage in World War II. It also experienced radioactive contamination from the 1986 Chernobyl accident. In August 1991, during the collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared independence and became the present Republic of Belarus.

Geography & climate

Almost entirely flat Eastern European Plain, with alternating forests and wetlands, holding numerous glacial lakes

Temperate humid continental climate

Area: Europe / 207600 km²
Capital: Minsk
Largest city: Minsk
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Narach, Lake Osvea, Braslau Lakes
Bordering countries: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia

Natural resources

Forest resources, Peat, Potash salt, Limestone, Granite, Petroleum, Natural gas, Clay, Chalk, Freshwater resources, Wildlife and flora

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (with strong presidential powers)

Economy

Currency: Belarusian Ruble (BYN)

GDP (nominal): 68.3 billion US dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 224 billion international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Belarusian, Russian

Time zone: Belarus Time (UTC+3)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Belarusians, Russians, Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, Lithuanians, Tatars

Life expectancy

74.2 years

Literacy rate

99.8%

National sports

Ice hockey, Football, Biathlon, Wrestling, Gymnastics