Country Guide • Belarus
Much of Belarus (formerly the Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic of the USSR, and then Byelorussia) is a hilly lowland with forests, swamps, and numerous rivers and lakes. There are wide rivers emptying into the Baltic and Black Seas. Its forests cover over one-third of the land and its peat marshes are a valuable natural resource.
| Official Name | Republic of Belarus |
|---|---|
| Area | 207,600km² (80,154mile²) |
| Population | 10,322,000 |
| Continent | Europe |
| Population per mile² | 129 |
| Capital City | Minsk |
| Religions | Mostly Orthodox Christians with a Roman Catholic minority |
| Language | Belarusian, Russian |
| Government | Republic |
| Member of EU | No |
| Currency | Belorussian Ruble |
| GDP | $85 billion |
| GDP per Head | $8,200 |
| Natural Resources | Timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, chalk, sand, gravel, clay |
| Land Use | Arable Land 30% |
| Agriculture | Cattle, milk, grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets and flax |
| Industry | Food, chemicals, textiles, agricultural machinery, timber |
| Tourism | There's more to see in Belarus than you might suspect, although don't be surprised if you don't see another tourist! Minsk is a cosmopolitan centre, Brest is lively and hectic, Hrodna a mix of historical legacies and Polatsk a sleepy town reminiscent its former USSR glories |
| Natural Hazards | None |
| Health Risks | Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tick-borne encephalitis |
| Climate | Belarus has a moderately continental climate. The summers are warm and winters are cold while the average annual precipitation ranges 546 mm (21.5 inches) to 693 mm (27.3 inches). Average temperature ranges are from 17.5°C in July to -7°C in January |
| Time | GMT/UTC+2 hours |
| National Days | July 3 |
| Visas | All foreign visitors require a visa - these are much easier to arrange before you go from your own country than at the border |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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The content above is for information purposes only and we have tried to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury as a result of the information above. You should always check and verify any critical information like visas, health and safety and customs with the relevant authorities before you travel since information can change at any time.
