Belarus on European Map

The Republic of Belarus as an independent sovereign state appeared on the geographical map quite not long ago — in 1991. It is situated in essence in the centre of European continent. This is a land of blue lakes and green forests, meadows that are opened to the sun, and spacious fields, across which bring their waters our calm rivers.

The population of our country is about 10 million people, the main part Belarusians, and also Russians, Polishes, Ukrainians, other nations. Belarus occupies the territory of 207 600 m², borders in the North and in the East on Russia, in the South on Ukraine, in the West on Poland, in the North-west on Latvia and Lithuania. Belarus has the 13th place in Europe by its territory and equals approximately by its square to Great Britain, Romania.

The capital of the Republic of Belarus is Minsk. The history of this city has more than 900 years. The ancient city is situated on the right bank of the river Svisloch, at the confluence of the river Nemiga. Originally the city had the ancient name Menesk or Mensk.

The origin of the ancient name “Mensk” is bound up with the river Menka that flows into the Ptich not far from the city. The popular legend says that connects this name with a certain Minch or with legendary hero Menesk. From this come the names “Minsk”, “Mensk”. There is another explanation of it, from the word ”mena”(what means “change”) as in ancient times on the place of today’s city there was a change point — goods market. From this the appeared hear city took first the name Mensk and then Minsk.

Today’s Minsk — a big industrial and cultural centre of the Republic, an important transport junction. The population of the city comes to 1.7 million citizens. In Minsk there are: an Academy of Science, 14 Universities, 10 museums, where are kept and exposed the exhibit items that open the history of Belarusian people, treasures of culture and art, materials about life and activity of outstanding persons.

The territory of the Republic of Belarus is divided into six regions (oblast). The regions’ centers of the Republic are: Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Grodno, Brest. Another eight cities have the population more than 100 000 people.

As regards the religion Belarus is the union of eastern and western branches of Christianity. So the dominating faiths are catholic and orthodox, but nonetheless the Belarusians treat friendly any other creed.

Many phenomena of Belarusian culture became the symbols of national originality. Sashes of Slutsk, multicolor ancient tiles and carving, the cross of Efrosiniya of Polotsk, the painting of Mark Shagal and Belarusian ballet — these are famous witnesses of our cultural presence in the world.

One of considerable places in Belarus occupies the development of international tourist’s relations. Belarus has a potential for this. The Republic disposes a wide net of transport thruways. In the capital Minsk and other big cities there are a number of hotels of European class, are open numerous theaters, museums, sport centers.

Tourist’s trips of Belarusian citizens in foreign countries and reception of tourists on the territory of Belarus has been developing from the end of 50s. Since 1990 international tourism became one of the forms of economic external activity, more than 350 firms are involved in this business. The tourists, that have visited Belarus take home rich impressions from lake Naroch and Beloveyhskaya pushcha(dense virgin forest), from the beauty of Sofia Cathedral, medieval Castle of Mir, and many other monuments of history and culture. Also we can propose You unforgettable holiday in the recreation and hunting center of Priroda-Lux (www.priroda-lux.by).

The distance from Minsk to the capitals of neighboring states: Vilnius — 215 km, Riga — 470 km, Warsaw — 550 km, Kiev — 580 km, Moscow — 700 km.

Through the territory of Belarus pass: the main Eurasia’s track, short communication ways and roads between Russia and Europe as well between Baltic and Black Seas.