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Population: 9.8 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Minsk
Area: 207,595 sq km (80,153 sq miles)
Major language: Russian, Belarussian (both official)
Major religion: Christianity
Monetary unit: 1 Belarussian rouble = 100 kopeks
Internet domain: .by
International dialling code: +375

Breathtaking Belarus

Belarus is an interesting country located in the eastern part of Europe. Originally part of several different countries, it now brings together the cultures and traditions of these nations and is currently in the process of creating a national identity. Its lands were once part of Poland, Lithuania, and Russia before it finally gained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Belarus is one of those countries that share a history with several other nations and on its own it can be considered a literally young country that is on its way to making a name for itself.

What’s in a name?

The country’s name was taken from a term that refers to White Russia. The name started appearing in German and Latin medieval literature although it was known as Russia Alba in Latin. When it was part of the Russian Empire, it was named Belaroussia. Later on, the name became Belarus just like what it is today. Its English name was based on its Russian one.

The people

More than eighty percent of the country’s population is composed of native Belarusians and the remaining part is a mixture of different ethnic races from various neighboring countries including Russians, Poles and Ukrainians. Because it was under the Russian Empire and later on, the Soviet Union for quite some time, the country has two recognized official languages: Belarusian and Russian. There are also some people who speak Ukrainian, Eastern Yiddish and Polish.

The most dominant religion is still Christianity with a huge majority belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church. However, the country’s constitution does not specify a state religion and freedom of worship is being enforced.

Culture

The culture of Belarus is a product of the combined influences of the country’s physical environment, the pagan traditions of its natives, the Christian faith that was introduced through foreign rule, as well as the culture that was passed on through trade relations at the Baltic Sea.

To support this developing culture, the Belarusian government places high importance on the annual festivals and other native traditions by funding their activities and providing whatever support they can offer.

International Festival of the Arts

Each year, Vietbsk, Belarus hosts the Slavianski Bazaar, an expo that showcases local talents. The event is primarily devoted towards Slavic music but it also offers a venue for upcoming Belarusian performers, artists, writers and musicians to promote their works and talents. It consists of participants mainly from the country as well as from neighboring nations including Russia and Ukraine.

Aside from this major festival, Belarus also observes several state holidays that have been attracting tourists from all over the world.

World Heritage Sites

Belarus is also home to four of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. These tourist attractions have been receiving a lot of spectators over the years. The Mir Castle Complex and the Niasvizh Castle are widely renowned for their interesting architectural design.

Other world heritage sites include the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park and the Struve Geodetic Arc.