When Belarus is mentioned, everyone has several associations. First of all, this is an extraordinary President of this Eastern European state — Alexander Lukashenko. Secondly, potatoes, and, of course, Belovezhskaya Pushcha… What else?
Let’s take a closer look at this amazing country, and present interesting facts about Belarus.
Where is Belarus located?
1. Belarus is a European country that is located in the east of Europe and was once part of the USSR. Belarus borders covering Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland on the borders.
2. The territory of Belarus – 207 thousand square kilometers. This is the 84th largest country in the world and, contrary to popular opinion, it is far from the smallest country in Europe, but rather average. On its territory, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and Hungary will fit together.
3. The population of Belarus is slightly less than 10 million people, which corresponds to 93rd place in the world. The population density is quite low. An interesting fact is that the above-mentioned countries, which can fit on the territory of Belarus, have a total population of 46,300,000 people.
4. The population of Minsk, the capital of Belarus — is about 2 million, so Minsk is the 11th most populous city in Europe.
5. A large area in Belarus is occupied by forests, rivers, and lakes. No wonder the country is called “The Lungs of Europe”.
6. Minsk is a very green and clean city. In addition to numerous parks, there is the third-largest Botanical Garden in the world.
Interesting Facts About Belarus :
7. Minsk is a very safe city. In the list of 378 most dangerous cities according to statistics from Numbeo, Minsk took 351st place in terms of danger. Belarus is one of the safest countries in the world.
8. Compared to many large cities, there are very few traffic jams. Public transport always runs on schedule. Surprisingly, this is true: the chart is maintained plus / minus a couple of minutes. It is also surprising for large cities that Minsk is quite quiet at night, with relatively few nightclubs and bars.
9. Throughout Belarusian history, the territory of the country belonged to one or another state, which is why the main state language often changed in the country. And for 17 years in the 20th century, Belarus had 4 official languages at the same time: Russian, Belarusian, Polish, and Yiddish.
10. The territory of Belarus consists of 40% forests, which corresponds to the green stripe in the Belarusian flag.
11. 2 Israeli presidents, Shaim Weizman and Shimon Peres, were born in Belarus. The second was president from 2007 to 2014.
12. In Belarus, the main religion is Orthodox Christianity, but in the country, you can find many churches of all possible religions.
13. Belarus has very high-quality and inexpensive medicine, so many Russians come there to treat their teeth, eyes, etc. There are as many as 5 Nobel Laureates in Belarus. In 2015, the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Svetlana Alexievich.
14. Belarus is home to the Bialowieza Forest National Park, the largest and oldest forest in Europe, home to Europe’s largest animal, the bison. In the whole territory of Eurasia, only in Belarus live bison-wild bulls. You will not find these animals in any other country on the continent (except in zoos).
15. There is little advertising on the streets, but a lot of social advertising.
16. The Belarusian city of Polotsk is considered the geographical center of Europe. In honor of this, a monument has been erected in this ancient city.
17. Belarus is a ” Silicon Valley” Eastern Europe. About 10 years ago, a High-tech Park was created here, where now there are about 170 companies, 27,000 IT specialists.
18. Belarus is proud of its athletes and sports achievements. And for good reason. For such a small country, the achievements in this area are impressive. Moreover, these achievements are in very different sports: biathlon, freestyle, hockey, football, rowing, wrestling, light, and heavy athletics, shooting, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics.
19. Biathlete Daria Domracheva, who won 3 gold medals at the Olympic Games in 2014, is the most decorated Belarusian of the Winter Olympic Games.
20. Tennis player Victoria Azarenka was at the top of the WTP ranking for 70 weeks and also earned a gold medal for Belarus along with another famous Belarusian tennis player, Maxim Mirny.
21. Belarus is very fond of ice hockey. Every city, even a small one, has an ice arena. The largest, the Minsk Arena, is the fourth largest in Europe. There are 26 ice arenas in Belarus in total.
22. Belarusians are very fond of potatoes, most national dishes include this most important ingredient for local people. There are more than 300 potato dishes in Belarus.
23. Belarus produces the largest dump truck in the world. BelAZ-75710 weighs 360 tons, the height of its wheels is 4 meters, and if someone wanted to buy it, it will cost about $10 million!
24. Belarus is landlocked.
25. Belarus is one of the few countries that does not switch to “winter” time.
26. Belarusians are very hospitable and friendly people … apart from some shop assistants. In addition, the locals are humble people. No matter what hard trials the Belarusian will face, he will not be indignant, but will completely accept them. And, most importantly, Belarusians are hardworking people.
Is Belarus a poor country?
27 . Belarus has one of the Lowest Poverty Rates in Europian Countries.
