THE COUNTRY

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. Government restrictions on political and civil freedoms, freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion have remained in place.

Nyasvizh Castle;

Mir Castle;

Minsk (includes Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum and Vul Kastrychnitskaya);

Homel Palace;

Brest Fortress

Private Jets, Helicopters and Airliners
Finest Onboard Catering
Ground Transport and Yachts
Luxury Villa & House Rentals
Local Guide & 24/7 Assistance
Customized Global Services

TO BE KNOWN

The State's Capital

Minsk
Time Zone

UTC +2
Telephone Code

375
Total Area

207 600 Km2
Population

9 413 505
Main Languages

Russian, Belarusian
Currency

Rubles (BYB/BYR)
GDP Per Capita

USD 19800
Airports

65
Heliports

1

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate

Cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime

Ethnic Groups

Belarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9% (2009 est.)

Cultural Practices

Avoid using the "thumbs up" gesture in Belarus; it is considered rude.

Traditional Cuisine

Draniki — shallow-fried potato pancakes

National Economy

Declining Russian energy subsidies will end in 2024; growing public debt; strong currency pressures have led to higher inflation; recent price controls on basic food and drugs; public sector wage increases and fragile private sector threaten household income gains and economic growth