Belarus

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The country has a population of approximately 9.1 million and spans an area of 207,600 square kilometers. The capital and largest city is Minsk. Belarus is administratively divided into six regions and one capital city with special status.

History

The territory of modern Belarus has been inhabited since ancient times. It was part of Kievan Rus’, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and later the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, Belarus was absorbed into the Russian Empire. In 1919, it became part of the Soviet Union as the Byelorussian SSR. After World War II, Belarus experienced significant reconstruction and development.

Belarus declared its sovereignty on July 27, 1990, and gained full independence on August 25, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Alexander Lukashenko was elected as the first president in 1994 and has remained in power since, leading a highly centralized government.

Geography and Climate

Belarus has a hemiboreal climate with cold winters and mild summers. The terrain is mostly flat with extensive forests, rivers, and lakes. Key natural attractions include Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, home to European bison, and numerous wetlands that support diverse wildlife.

Politics and Government

Belarus operates under an authoritarian political system. The president has extensive powers, and the government maintains control over major aspects of the economy, media, and civil society. The country has low rankings in global measures of press freedom and human rights.

Belarus maintains close ties with Russia, forming the Union State, a political and economic agreement aimed at integration. In 2025, Belarus signed a security treaty with Russia, further deepening military cooperation.

Economy

Belarus has a mixed economy with state ownership in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. Major exports include machinery, chemical products, and agricultural goods. The country remains dependent on trade with Russia and other post-Soviet states.

Culture and Traditions

Belarusian culture is a blend of Slavic traditions and influences from neighboring countries. Folklore, music, and traditional festivals play a significant role in society.

Gukanne Vyasny Festival

One of Belarus’s notable traditions is the Gukanne Vyasny festival, held in the village of Zhitomlya in the Grodno region. This event marks the calling of spring and involves decorating trees with colorful ribbons and baking lark-shaped cookies, which are thrown into the air to welcome birds back from migration.

Tourism

Belarus is home to historical landmarks, scenic nature reserves, and architectural wonders. Notable attractions include:

Mir Castle – A UNESCO-listed medieval castle.
Nesvizh Castle – A historic palace of the Radziwiłł family.
Brest Hero-Fortress – A World War II memorial.
National Library of Belarus – A modern architectural landmark in Minsk.
Bulhak Palace in Zhilichi – A well-preserved 19th-century estate known as the “Belarusian Versailles.”

Notable Events

Miss Minsk 2025

In 2025, Yekaterina Trikoza was crowned Miss Minsk. The beauty pageant is considered a platform for personal growth, with participants undergoing intensive training, rehearsals, and master classes.

Grodno’s Old Castle

In 2024, nearly 200,000 people visited Grodno’s Old Castle, one of the most famous historical landmarks in Belarus. Restoration efforts are ongoing to enhance its museum exhibits.

Regions of Belarus

Belarus is divided into six regions (oblasts) and the capital city, Minsk:

Brest Region – Known for Brest Hero-Fortress and natural reserves.
Gomel Region – Features historic sites and the Pripyat River.
Grodno Region – Home to castles and traditional cultural festivals.
Mogilev Region – Offers rich architectural heritage.
Minsk Region – Surrounds the capital and has numerous historical landmarks.
Vitebsk Region – Famous for its annual arts festival, Slavianski Bazaar.

Minsk, the capital, serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of Belarus.