Country Name: Belarus
Country Flag:
Belarus, historically known as White Russia, has a complex past marked by various occupations and influences. In the early medieval period, it was part of the Kievan Rus’. Subsequently, it became a territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In the late 18th century, Belarus was annexed by the Russian Empire. After a brief period of independence following World War I, it became a founding member of the Soviet Union in 1922. Belarus declared sovereignty on July 27, 1990, and full independence on August 25, 1991, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has served as the country’s president.
Minsk
Belarus operates on Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is UTC+3
Total Area: 207,600 square kilometers (80,200 sq mi)
Arable Land: Approximately 27.5% of the land is arable.
General Climate: Belarus has a hemiboreal climate, characterised by cold winters and cool, moist summers.
Seasonal Variations: The country experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with average temperatures ranging from -6°C in January to 18°C in July.
Belarus is divided into six regions, known as “voblasts,” and one capital city with special status:
Belarus has modest natural resources, including:
Minerals: Potash (among the world’s largest reserves), peat, limestone, clay, and sand.
Forests: Approximately 40% of the country is forested, providing timber and supporting biodiversity.
Belarus is relatively free from severe natural disasters. However, it is susceptible to:
Flooding: Seasonal floods, particularly during the spring thaw, can affect low-lying areas.
Droughts: Occasional droughts can impact agriculture.
Belarus shares its borders with:
As a landlocked country, Belarus has no maritime claims.
Government Type: Belarus is officially a presidential republic; however, it operates as an authoritarian state with significant power concentrated in the presidency.
President: Alexander Lukashenko has been in power since 1994.
Belarus has a limited multiparty system. The dominant party is the Belarusian Patriotic Party, which supports the president. Opposition parties exist but face significant restrictions.
Presidential Elections: Held every five years; the last election in 2020 was widely criticised for lack of fairness.
Parliamentary Elections: Also held every five years; the parliament lacks significant power.
Alliances: Belarus is closely allied with Russia, participating in the Union State and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).
International Relations: The country maintains a policy of neutrality but has strained relations with Western nations due to human rights concerns.
Size in World: 74
GDP: Approximately 71,86 billion
GDP per Capita: Around $7 829,05
Currency: Belarusian Ruble (BYN)
Dominant Economic Sector: Machinery and Metal
Social Landscape
Population: 9.2 million
Class Distribution:
Upper Class: ~5%
Middle Class: ~60%
Lower Class: ~35%
Gini Coefficient:
~27.9 (relatively low inequality compared to global standards)
Language
Official Language: Belarusian, Russian (both have official status)
Other Languages: Polish, Ukrainian, Yiddish
Religion
Dominant Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity (majority of the population)
Other Religions: Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Judaism