Belarus

Belarus. Belarus is a country with a long history. In spite of its almost anonimity, Belarus is a country that is fighting hard to be part of the industrialized world, and it will get there. Belarussian people are generous and helpful, even thought theyu might be a little cautious a the beggining. Let this country enchant you with its beautiful churches, delightful landscapes and mystic personality.

Area: 207.650 Km²
Population: 9.849.000 (2003)
Density: 47 pop/Km²

System of government: Presidential Republic
Capital: Minsk (1.741.000 pop.)
Major cities: Homel' 481.000 pop., Mahilëu 365.000 pop., Vicebsk 342.000 pop., Hrodna 315.000 pop., Brèst 298.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Byelorussian 81%, Russian 11,5%, Polish 4%, Ukrainian 2,5%, others 1%
Border countries: Latvia and Lithuania NORTH, Poland WEST, Ukraine SOUTH, Russia EAST

Principal mountains: Dzierzhinsky 345 m
Principal rivers: Dnepr 690 Km (belarusian tract, total 2201 Km), Berezina 613 Km, Pripjat 495 Km (belarusian tract, total 761 Km), Sozh 493 Km (belarusian tract, total 648 Km), Neman 459 Km (belarusian tract, total 937 Km), Ptich 421 Km, Western Dvina 328 Km (belarusian tract, total 1020 Km), Chara 325 Km
Principal lakes: Naroch' 79,6 Km², Osveya 52,8 Km², Chervonoye 40,3 Km²
Principal islands: -
Climate: Continental

Language: Byelorussian (official), Russian
Religion: Orthodox 31%, Catholic 18%, other 51%
Currency: Belarusian Rubel (BYR)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 7/1, 8/3, 15/3, 1/5, 9/5, 3/7, 2/11, 7/11, 25/12
Dialling code: 00375
GMT: +2

World Heritage List:

• Belovezhskaya Pushcha / Bialowieza Forest (1979, 1992) *
• Mir Castle Complex (2000)
• Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh (2005)
• Struve Geodetic Arc (2005) *