Belarus is located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, Lithuania to the northwest, and Latvia to the northwest. Its central location in Europe has historically made it a crossroads of trade and cultural exchange.
Geography
Climate
Belarus has a temperate continental climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to highs of around 25°C (77°F) in summer. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall common in winter.
Fauna
Belarus is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including European bison, wolves, lynx, and various bird species such as storks and eagles. The country’s extensive forests provide habitats for numerous mammals, birds, and insects, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Belarus is the Dnieper, which flows through the southern part of the country. Other major rivers include the Neman, the Pripyat, and the Berezina, which play important roles in Belarusian agriculture, transportation, and ecology.
Highest Mountains
Belarus is a relatively flat country, with its highest point being Dzyarzhynskaya Hara (Dzyarzhynsk Hill), which reaches an elevation of just 345 meters (1,132 feet) above sea level. Despite its lack of towering peaks, Belarus boasts picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, lakes, and marshes.
History
Prehistory
The territory of present-day Belarus has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. The region was later inhabited by various Slavic tribes, including the Krivichs, Dregovichs, and Radimichs, who formed the early foundations of Belarusian culture.
Medieval Period
In the 9th century, Belarus came under the influence of the East Slavic state of Kievan Rus’, which played a significant role in shaping the region’s political and cultural identity. During the medieval period, Belarus was ruled by various princes and dukes, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which expanded its territory to encompass much of present-day Belarus.
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
In the 16th century, Belarus became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a multiethnic state that encompassed parts of modern-day Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Belarus. The Commonwealth was characterized by religious tolerance and cultural diversity, with Belarusian nobles playing prominent roles in its administration and military.
Russian Empire
In the late 18th century, Belarus was annexed by the Russian Empire as part of the partitions of Poland. Under Russian rule, Belarus experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, but also faced repression and Russification policies aimed at suppressing Belarusian language and culture.
Soviet Era
During World War I, Belarus briefly gained independence as the Belarusian People’s Republic, but soon fell under Soviet control as part of the newly formed Soviet Union. Under Soviet rule, Belarus was heavily industrialized and urbanized, but also suffered from political repression, collectivization, and the devastation of World War II.
Independent Belarus
Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and became a sovereign nation. Since independence, Belarus has struggled with political and economic challenges, including authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and economic stagnation. Despite these challenges, Belarus remains a proud and resilient nation with a rich cultural heritage.
Demographics
Belarus has a population of approximately 9.4 million people, with the majority residing in urban areas. The population is predominantly ethnic Belarusian, with significant Russian and Polish minorities. Belarusian is the official language, and the majority of the population identifies as Christian, with the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic denominations being the largest.
Administrative Divisions
Belarus is divided into six administrative regions, or voblasts, each with its own local government authority:
Administrative Divisions and Population (2022 estimate)
- Brest Region – Population: 1.4 million
- Gomel Region – Population: 1.4 million
- Grodno Region – Population: 1.1 million
- Minsk Region – Population: 1.5 million
- Mogilev Region – Population: 1.0 million
- Vitebsk Region – Population: 1.0 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Minsk
- Gomel
- Mogilev
- Vitebsk
- Hrodna
- Brest
- Babruysk
- Baranovichi
- Pinsk
- Orsha
Education Systems
Education in Belarus is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The government operates a system of public schools, supplemented by private and specialized schools. Belarus is also home to several top universities, including Belarusian State University and Belarusian National Technical University.
Transportation
Airports
Belarus has several international airports, including Minsk National Airport, which serves as the main gateway to the country. Other major airports include Gomel Airport, Grodno Airport, and Brest Airport, which provide domestic and international flights.
Railways
Belarus has an extensive railway network operated by Belarusian Railways, connecting major cities and towns across the country. The total length of Belarusian railways exceeds 5,500 kilometers, making it an important mode of transportation for both passengers and freight.
Highways
Belarus has a well-developed network of highways and roads, including the M1 highway, which connects Minsk with major cities such as Brest and Gomel. The total length of Belarusian highways exceeds 86,000 kilometers, facilitating transportation and commerce across the country.
Ports
Belarus has access to several major ports via the Dnieper and Pripyat rivers, including the Port of Mazyr and the Port of Brest. These ports serve as important hubs for river transport and trade, connecting Belarus to the Baltic Sea and beyond.
Country Facts
- Population: 9.4 million
- Capital: Minsk
- Language: Belarusian, Russian
- Religion: Christianity (Eastern Orthodox, Catholic)
- Race: Belarusian, Russian, Polish
- Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYN)
- ISO Country Code: BY
- International Calling Code: +375
- Top-level Domain: .by