Capital of Belarus : Minsk

Population (Estimated July 2012): 9,542,883

Area: 207,595km² or 80,153mi²

Currency: Belarusian rubel (or ruble) (Br)

Official Language: Belarusian; Russian

Political Information: Republic

Official Religion: No Official Religion (approximately 80% of the population are Eastern Orthodox and 20% have other religious beliefs)

Highest Mountain: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara at 346m or 1,135ft

 

GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power)

(Estimated 2011): $57.7 billion (US$) or £34.62 billion (GBP)

GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP)

 

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States)  

(Estimated 2011): $141.2 billion (US$) or £84.72 billion (GBP)

GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $14,900 (US$) or £8,940 (GBP)

 

Time Zone (GMT/UTC): +3:00

 

Provinces (Voblastsi): Brest, Homyel’ (Gomel), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk (Vitebsk)

Municipality (Horad): Horad Minsk (Minsk City)

 

Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica,

Belarus, officially known as the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The capital and largest city of Belarus is Minsk.

Belarus has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was once part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In the 18th century, it was annexed by the Russian Empire and remained under Russian rule until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The culture of Belarus is a unique blend of Eastern Slavic traditions and influences from neighbouring countries. The country is known for its rich folklore, traditional music and dance, and vibrant arts scene. Belarusian cuisine is also a significant part of the culture, with dishes such as draniki (potato pancakes) and machanka (pork stew) being popular.

Political System of Belarus: President, Parliament and Judiciary

Belarus has a presidential system of government, with the President serving as both the head of state and head of government. The President is elected by popular vote for a term of five years and has significant powers, including the ability to appoint and dismiss government officials, veto legislation, and dissolve parliament.

The Parliament of Belarus, known as the National Assembly, consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic. The House of Representatives has 110 members who are elected by popular vote for a term of four years. The Council of the Republic has 64 members who are elected by local councils for a term of four years.

The judiciary in Belarus is independent but has been criticized for lacking impartiality. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country and is responsible for ensuring the uniform application of the law. The Constitutional Court is responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws and other legal acts.

Economy of Belarus: Agriculture, Industry and Services

The economy of Belarus is a mixed economy with a strong emphasis on state ownership. The main sectors of the Belarusian economy are agriculture, industry, and services.

Agriculture plays a significant role in the Belarusian economy, with the country being known as the “breadbasket of Europe.” The main agricultural products include potatoes, wheat, barley, and flax. Belarus also has a strong dairy industry and is one of the largest exporters of dairy products in the world.

Industry is another important sector of the Belarusian economy, with manufacturing being a key driver of economic growth. The country has a strong industrial base, with sectors such as machinery and equipment manufacturing, chemical production, and food processing being prominent. Belarus is also known for its production of tractors and trucks.

The services sector in Belarus is relatively small compared to agriculture and industry but is growing rapidly. The country has seen an increase in tourism in recent years, which has led to the development of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services. The IT sector is also growing rapidly, with many international companies outsourcing their IT services to Belarus.

Despite its economic potential, Belarus faces several challenges in terms of economic development. The country has a high level of state control over the economy, which has led to inefficiencies and a lack of competition. Additionally, Belarus has struggled with inflation and a lack of foreign investment. However, there are also opportunities for economic growth, such as increased trade with neighboring countries and further development of the IT sector.

Education in Belarus: Schools, Universities and Vocational Training

Education in Belarus is compulsory from the age of six to 17. The education system is divided into several levels, including preschool education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education.

Preschool education is available for children aged three to six and is not compulsory. It is provided in kindergartens and focuses on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.

Primary education in Belarus lasts for four years and is compulsory. It provides a basic education in subjects such as mathematics, science, language, and physical education.

Secondary education in Belarus is divided into two stages – basic secondary education and complete secondary education. Basic secondary education lasts for five years and is followed by an examination. Complete secondary education lasts for two years and prepares students for higher education or vocational training.

Higher education in Belarus is provided by universities, institutes, and academies. There are several universities in the country that offer a wide range of courses in various fields of study. The most prestigious university in Belarus is the Belarusian State University, which is located in Minsk.

Vocational training is also available in Belarus and provides practical skills and knowledge for specific occupations. Vocational training can be obtained through vocational schools or through apprenticeships.

Healthcare System in Belarus: Hospitals, Clinics and Medical Services

The healthcare system in Belarus is a mix of public and private healthcare providers. The government provides free healthcare to all citizens, with the majority of healthcare services being provided by state-owned hospitals and clinics.

There are several types of hospitals in Belarus, including general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and regional hospitals. General hospitals provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, and maternity care. Specialized hospitals focus on specific areas of medicine, such as cardiology or oncology. Regional hospitals provide healthcare services to specific regions of the country.

In addition to hospitals, there are also clinics and medical centers that provide outpatient care. These clinics offer a range of services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and diagnostic tests.

The quality of healthcare in Belarus is generally good, with well-trained medical professionals and modern facilities. However, there are some challenges facing the healthcare system, including a lack of funding and outdated infrastructure. The government is working to improve the healthcare system by investing in new medical equipment and facilities.

Tourism in Belarus: Places to Visit, Things to Do and Accommodation

Belarus is a country with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for tourists. There are several places to visit in Belarus, including historical sites, national parks, and cultural attractions.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Belarus is the capital city of Minsk. Minsk is known for its beautiful architecture, including Independence Square and the Church of Saints Simon and Helena. The city also has several museums, including the National Art Museum and the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.

Another popular tourist destination in Belarus is the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. This national park is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the primaeval forest that once covered much of Europe. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including European bison.

Accommodation options in Belarus range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. In Minsk, there are several international hotel chains that offer comfortable accommodations for tourists. In rural areas, there are also guesthouses and farm stays that provide a more authentic experience.

Transport in Belarus: Roads, Railways and Airports

Belarus has a well-developed transport system that includes roads, railways, and airports. The country has an extensive network of roads that connect major cities and towns. The quality of roads in Belarus is generally good, with well-maintained highways and modern infrastructure.

The railway system in Belarus is also well-developed and provides an efficient mode of transportation. The country has an extensive network of railways that connects major cities and towns. The railway system is operated by the state-owned company Belarusian Railways.

Belarus has several international airports, including Minsk National Airport, which is the main gateway to the country. The airport offers flights to several destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. There are also several regional airports in Belarus that offer domestic and international flights.

Society in Belarus: Demographics, Languages and Religion

Belarus has a population of approximately 9.5 million people. The majority of the population is ethnic Belarusian, with minorities including Russians, Poles, and Ukrainians. The official language of Belarus is Belarusian, but Russian is also widely spoken.

The majority of the population in Belarus is Christian, with the majority belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church. There are also significant Catholic and Protestant communities in the country. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the constitution of Belarus.

Sports in Belarus: Football, Hockey and Other Popular Games

Sports play an important role in Belarusian culture, with football and ice hockey being the most popular sports in the country. The national football team has had some success in international competitions, including qualifying for the UEFA European Championship in 2016.

Ice hockey is also a popular sport in Belarus, with the national ice hockey team competing in international tournaments such as the IIHF World Championship. The country has produced several talented ice hockey players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) in North America.

In addition to football and ice hockey, other popular sports in Belarus include basketball, volleyball, and athletics. The country has produced several successful athletes who have won medals at international competitions such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Future of Belarus: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects

Belarus faces several challenges in the future, including economic development, political reform, and social issues. The country’s economy relies heavily on state-owned enterprises and lacks diversification. There is a need for economic reforms to attract foreign investment and promote private sector growth.

Politically, Belarus has been criticized for its lack of democracy and human rights abuses. There is a need for political reform to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Despite these challenges, Belarus also has several opportunities for growth and development. The country has a well-educated workforce and a strong industrial base. There are opportunities for increased trade with neighbouring countries and further development of the IT sector.

In conclusion, Belarus is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse economy. It faces several challenges in terms of economic development, political reform, and social issues. However, there are also opportunities for growth and development in the future. With the right policies and investments, Belarus has the potential to become a prosperous and modern country.