Belarus: 23 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. The country is surrounded by Russia to the East and North East, Ukraine to the South, Poland to the West, and Lithuania and Latvia to the North West.

There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about this country, but today my aim is to change that…

Here are 23 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about Belarus

1. Belarus covers an area of 207,600 square kilometres (80,200 square miles). It’s smaller than the UK – about the size of the state of Kansas in the USA.

2. The country has an estimated population of 9.4 million.

3. Minsk is the largest city in the country. It’s also the capital city. Minsk has an estimated population of 1.9 million.

4. Alexander Lukashenko has held the position of president in Belarus since it was established back in 1994.

5. Belarusian and Russian are the country’s two official languages.

6. The Belarusian Ruble is the country’s currency.

7. It’s the only country in Europe that still uses capital punishment. The death penalty is used for crimes such as murder and terrorism. Executions are carried out by a single shot to the back of the head.

8. There are 20,800 rivers flowing across the country. Among them, nine rivers stretch over 500 kilometers (300 miles): Berezina, which flows entirely within Belarus, and Neman and Vilia, which originate there. Additionally, there are transit rivers like the Western Dvina, Dnieper, Sozh, Pripyat, the Western Bug, and Gorin.

9. At 345 meters (1131 feet) above sea level, the highest point in Belarus is Mount Dzerzhinskaya. Located just 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Minsk, near Dzerzhinsk, in the village of Skirmantovo, this peak was once known as “The Holy Mountain” before being renamed in 1958.

10. Belarus boasts numerous mineral deposits, with the largest being the potassium salt deposit near Soligorsk. It stands as Europe’s largest and one of the world’s largest deposits of potash salt.

11. Over its history, Belarus has undergone several name changes. It was known as the Great Principality of Lithuania, Russian, and Jemoit (or Litva). Its inhabitants, referred to as Litvini, spoke the Old Belarusian language, which served as the official language for several centuries.

12. Belarus celebrates Christmas twice annually: on December 25th (following the Catholic tradition) and on January 7th (according to the Orthodox tradition). Both dates are recognized as official holidays.

13. World of Tanks, the renowned video game, was developed by the Belarusian company Wargaming. The Belarusian airline “Belavia” features aircraft adorned with the symbols of Wargaming. Additionally, the Viber application, also originates from the country, is a popular messenger enabling communication via the Internet without reliance on mobile networks.

14. From the 7th to the 13th century AD, the Slavs settled in Belarus, supplanting Baltic culture. In the 6th to 9th century, the East Slavs formed initial political unions. By the 9th century, Polotsk and the Polotsk Duchy emerged. In the 18th century, the Russian Empire seized control.

15. In 1918, Belarus declared itself a National Republic but was absorbed by the Soviet Union under the Bolsheviks.

By 1922, it became a founding member of the Soviet Union as the Byelorussian SSR. During World War II in 1944, Nazi Germany occupied Belarus, but it was reclaimed by Stalin’s Russia. In 1990, Belarus declared sovereignty and independence, officially recognized by the United States in 1991.

16. Extending for over 15 kilometers (9 miles) through the capital, Independence Avenue traverses five distinct squares, including Victory Square and October Square. Over its history, the avenue has not only expanded in size but has also undergone 14 name changes, making it the most renamed street in Minsk.

17. Known as Maslenitsa Week, this Eastern Slavic festival is observed during the final week before Lent. Families across the region prepare pancakes to share with loved ones and indulge in during local street festivities.

Belarusians embrace a variety of toppings, from sweetened ground poppy seeds to savory mushroom stew, showcasing endless culinary creativity.

18. With 23,000 sports facilities accessible to the public nationwide, if the locals aren’t actively participating in sports, they’re likely spectating.

Popular activities include football, handball, ice hockey, and tennis. Here’s an interesting tidbit: Victoria Azarenka, a renowned tennis player, hails from Belarus and stands as the sole Belarusian tennis professional, male or female, to have clinched a Grand Slam singles title.

19. The National Library of the country, nicknamed ‘The Diamond of Knowledge,’ is a striking edifice standing 74 meters tall with 23 floors and a viewing deck at its summit.

While celebrated as one of the most unique architectural wonders globally, it has also faced criticism for its unconventional appearance, even dubbed one of the ugliest buildings. Architects Michael Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko were evidently tasked with making a bold statement, and they certainly achieved it.

20. Potatoes hold a central place in the country’s cuisine, featuring prominently in nearly every meal. With a repertoire of over 300 potato-based recipes, including tukmachi, a layered potato cake, and kalduny, dumplings filled with minced meat and wrapped in potato dough, there’s an abundance of options to explore and enjoy.

21. When it came to selecting their national animal, Belarusians chose the heaviest surviving land mammal in all of Europe. Rescued from near extinction in the early 1950s, two European bison were reintroduced into the Białowieża Forest. Today, approximately 600 of these majestic creatures roam the area. Other national symbols include the stork and the cornflower.

22. Citizens embrace various superstitions, with one common belief warning against whistling indoors, as it’s thought to symbolize squandering money.

Another superstition advises against cleaning the house immediately after a guest departs, as doing so may suggest ejecting them from one’s life permanently before they’ve safely reached their destination.

23. The ethnic composition of the country comprises Belarusians (85%), along with Russians, Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, and individuals from various other ethnic backgrounds.

Well, there you have it, 23 facts you might not have known about Belarus. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.

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