Belarus For Study

The Republic of Belarus (Belarus) is located in the Eastern part of Europe. In the West it borders on Poland, in the North – West – Lithuania, in the North – Latvia, in the North – East and East – Russia, in the South – Ukraine. The capital of Belarus is the city of Minsk, which is the biggest political, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country. The people of Belarus are a kind and friendly. Belarus is welcoming to all visitors and interested in sharing its culture, traditions and sense of community with them. With a complex history and rich architecture Belarus is a wonderful place to explore no matter what time of year. With a diverse geography and a passion for natural history and wildlife Belarus would be an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and it is bordered by Poland to the west, Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, and Lithuania and Latvia to the north. The Capital of Belarus is Minsk and other major cities include Brest, Vitsebsk (Vitebsk) Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev) and Homiel (Gomel). The population of Belarus is about 9.49 Million and over 70% of the population resides in urban areas. However, more than 80% of the population is ethnic Belarusian, with sizable minorities of Russians, Poles and Ukrainians.

Belarus and Russia have been close trading partners and diplomatic allies since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Belarus is dependent on Russia for imports of raw materials and for its export market. This union of Russia and Belarus, a supranational confederation, was established in a 1996–99 series of treaties that called for monetary union, equal rights, single citizenship, and a common foreign and defense policy. Belarus relies on Russia for various imports, including petroleum. However, as of 1994, Belarus’s main exports included heavy machinery (especially tractors), agricultural products, and energy products.