THE COUNTRY

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Belarus is a land of stark contrasts and untamed beauty. Bordered by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine, this enigmatic country offers a captivating tapestry of history and nature. From the serene, forested landscapes of Belovezhskaya Pushcha, one of Europe's last primeval forests, to the vibrant urban pulse of Minsk, Belarus presents a mosaic of the ancient and the modern.

The nation's rich heritage is reflected in its grand architecture, such as the Baroque splendour of the Heroes' Fortress in Brest, and the resilient spirit embodied in its folklore and traditions. But Belarus is also a land of political intrigue and resilience, where echoes of the Soviet past mingle with hopes for a redefined future. For the discerning traveller, Belarus promises an immersion into a world both mysterious and welcoming, a true testament to the hidden allure of Eastern Europe.

Nyasvizh Castle;

Mir Castle;

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

Homel Palace;

Brest Fortress

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TO KNOW

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