About Belarus

The Republic of Belarus (Belarus) is located in the Eastern part of Europe. In the West it borders on Poland, in the North – West – Lithuania, in the North – Latvia, in the North – East and East – Russia, in the South – Ukraine. The capital of Belarus is the city of Minsk, which is the biggest political, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country. The population of Minsk is 1.729 million people. The people of Belarus are a kind and friendly. Belarus is welcoming to all visitors and interested in sharing its culture, traditions and sense of community with them. With a complex history and rich architecture Belarus is a wonderful place to explore no matter what time of year. With a diverse geography and a passion for natural history and wildlife Belarus would be an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream.  Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and it is bordered by Poland to the west, Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, and Lithuania and Latvia to the north. The Capital of Belarus is Minsk and other major cities include Brest, Vitsebsk (Vitebsk) Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev) and Homiel (Gomel). The population of Belarus is about 9.49 Million and over 70% of the population resides in urban areas. However, more than 80% of the population is ethnic Belarusian, with sizable minorities of Russians, Poles and Ukrainians.

Belarus and Russia have been close trading partners and diplomatic allies since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Belarus is dependent on Russia for imports of raw materials and for its export market. This union of Russia and Belarus, a supranational confederation, was established in a 1996–99 series of treaties that called for monetary union, equal rights, single citizenship, and a common foreign and defense policy. Belarus relies on Russia for various imports, including petroleum. However, as of 1994, Belarus’s main exports included heavy machinery (especially tractors), agricultural products, and energy products.

As of November 2011, 58.9% of all Belarusians adhere to some kind of religion; out of those, Eastern Orthodox Christianity makes up about 82%. Roman Catholicism exists mostly in the western regions, and there are also different denominations of Protestantism (especially during the time of union with Protestant Sweden). Other minorities practice Judaism and other religions including the Baha’i Faith. Many Belarusians converted to the Russian Orthodox Church after Belarus was annexed by Russia following the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. As a consequence, the Orthodox church now has more members than other denominations.

More information about the republic of Belarus
Full name: The Republic of Belarus
President: Alexander Lukashenko
Population: 9 million 463,8 thousand (on 1st of January 2013)
Major languages: Belarusian and Russian
Capital: Minsk (1 million 901,1 thousand)
Monetary unit: Belarusian ruble (Br)
Total land area of Belarus: 207,600 km²
Regional centres of Belarus (on 1st of January 2013):

  • Brest  – 326,4 inhabitants
  • Vitebsk  – 369,4 inhabitants
  • Gomel  – 515 inhabitants
  • Grodno  – 352,5 inhabitants
  • Mogilev  – 366,8 inhabitants

Major Languages: Belarusian and Russian

Main Business Partners to Belarus

  • Russia
  • Lithuania
  • China
  • Netherlands
  • Italy
  • Poland
  • Ukraine
  • Germany
  • Latvia
  • Brazil

Industries in Belarus

  • metallurgical
  • food industry
  • Mechanical engineering, including tractors and agricultural, cars, machine-tool constructing and tool industry, instrument making, metal working, radio engineering, electro technical, electronic and optics-mechanical industry.
  • chemical and petrochemical
  • light industry

Natural resources in Belarus

  • wood
  • clay
  • peat
  • dolomite
  • limestone
  • small oil and natural gas fields
  • granite
  • sand

Traditional crafts in Belarus

There’s a long and rich history of traditional arts and crafts in Belarus, and many of these skills are alive and well today.
The main crafts include:

  • weaving
  • woodworking
  • glass blowing
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN BELARUS

Average temperatures vary across Belarus. In January, temperatures average from -4.5°C to -8°C. In July the average temperature is +17°C to +18.5°C.
Some parts of Belarus experience sub-zero temperatures for more than a third of the year.

RAIN AND SNOW IN BELARUS

Belarus has an average annual rainfall of 600-700 mm. 70% of the rain falls from April to October.
Belarus also enjoys 75-125 days of snow each year, with falls ranging from 15 to 30cm.

HISTORY OF ART IN BELARUS

Belarus enjoys a rich cultural and artistic heritage that dates back many centuries, taking in several significant schools of art and architecture and producing many unique musical and literary works. All surviving masterpieces are now officially protected by the state, and showcased for all to enjoy in museum collections and libraries. Classic works of Belarusian music and drama are regularly staged in concert halls and theatres across the country. Modern-day art culture in Belarus is equally varied and dynamic. There are numerous art exhibitions, musicals, theatrical performances and cinema festivals – all of which are easily accessible to Belarusians and visitors alike.