Belarus Independent - English version

About Belarus

Introduction:
The Belarusian history dates back to the 11-th century when the distinct Belarusian language and nation began to take the shape within the framework of the federation - the Great Dukedom of Lithuania. Situated it the Center of Europe this state experienced the effect of numerous wars and political changes. In the year 1569 was formed a confederation with the Polish Kingdom and named Rjhech Pospolita - later became the first Parliamentary Republic in Europe. In the end of 18-th Century the state was defeated in wars and became a part of 3 Emperies. There where many trying to free and regain the Independence, but all of them where not completely successful until the beginning of the 20-th Century. Belarus had become known as Belarussian Soviet Socialist Republic. After the collapse of communist regimes, wich occupied all Eastern and Central Europe Belarus was proclaimed as a Sovereign Independent State.

Geography:

Europe.

About the country:

Area: 207,600 sq km (80,200 sq mi)
Population: 9.8 million
Capital City: Minsk
National Symbols: knightly emblem Pahonya - a knight on horseback against a red shield - and the white, red and white flag (top on the screen)
People: Belarusian (81.2%), Russian (11.4%), Polish (4%), Ukrainian 2.4%
Language: Belarusian, Russian
Religion: Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish

GDP: US$90.19 billion
GDP per capita: US$8,700
Major Industries: Food, chemicals, textiles, machinery, timber
Major Trading Partners: Russia, Austria, Germany, UK
Borders on: 3 members of EU: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia also Ukraine and Russia
Cities: Gomel, Vitebsk, Mohielew, Hrodna, Brest
Education: 99 percent literate, up to 70 percent skilled and educated
Famous people: Francisk Skorina (scientist), Andrei Tadeusz Kosciuszko, Kastus Kalinowski (politician), Vasil Bykov (writer), Adam Mitskevich, Yanka Kupala, Yakub Kolas, Maxim Bogdanovich (poets), Mikhail Kleofas Aginski (composer), Marc Chagall (artist), Alex Hleb (soccer player), Maxim Mirnyi (tennis player)
Climate: moderately continental
Nature: Central European