Belarus

History

Belarus proclaimed independence in 1918 nearly the end of the First World War. The following year the Russian Red Army invades the country and institutes communist rule. Belarus becomes fully independent in 1991 when the Soviet Union ended.

Food/ culture

Belarusian culture is influenced by that of Poland and Russia.

The main crops grown in the country are wheat, barley, oats, rye, potatoes, sugar beets and flax. The common dishes in the country include draniki, zhur and marinated white mushrooms.

Wildlife

The animals living in the country include elks, deer, wild boar, beavers, wolves and Eurasian lynx.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

The main festivals in the International theatre festival, international orthodox church music festival, international modern choreography and festival of opera and ballet art Bolshoi Theatre.

Things to see

Mir Castle Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site 164m above sea level.

There is the Nesvizh Radziwill Castle 183m above sea level, which is the residential place of Radziwill family; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There is also the Bialowieza forest, the last and the widest remaining parts of old-growth forest in Europe. It is has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is home to a wide variety of animals like European bison and birds.

Interesting facts

The official languages are Belarusian and Russian.

The official religion is Orthodox religion.

The education system is comprised of 4 years of primary schooling, 9 years of basic education and 11 years of secondary education.

Borders

Belarus is bordered on the northeast by Russia, on the south by Ukraine, on the west by Poland, and the northwest by Lithuania and Latvia.