Belarus

Quick Facts

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Capital

Minsk

Population

10,400,000

Government

Republic

Religions

Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)

Languages

Belarusian, Russian

Calling Code

+375

Nationality

Belarusian

Local name

Respublika Byelarus'

Introduction

Minsk

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One of the eastern European nations to emerge from the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early nineties, Belarus is a fascinating excursion into 20th century history. A Soviet state, it was invaded by the Nazis in 1941, treated brutally by Germany in the subsequent occupation, and eventually returned to Soviet control in 1944. But the damage had been done; a quarter of the country's population was dead by the time the Red Army took over.

Sixty years later, Belarus enters a new phase of its life, as it seeks to join the club of capitalism. But the remnants of WWII and the Soviet occupation remind visitors and Belarusians alike of the country's torturous past.

Geography

Belarus shares international borders with Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Provinces

Belarus is divided into 6 provinces (Voblasts).

• Brest Province
• Homyel Province
• Hrodna Province
• Mahilyow Province
• Minsk Province
• Vitsebsk Province

Cities

• Minsk
• Grodno
• Brest
• Gomel
• Vitebsk
• Mogilev

Getting There

By Plane

Minsk International Airport (MSQ) is Belarus' main international airport, servicing flights to and from airports throughout Europe, as well as to Tel Aviv. It is the main hub of Belavia, the national airline.

There is a second, smaller airport in Minsk (Minsk-1 Airport) and another international airport at Gomel.