• Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.
• The name ‘Belarus’ means ‘White Russia,’ though the origin of the term ‘white’ remains debated among historians.
• Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history dating back to the 11th century.
• Belarus is home to vast forests and wetlands, with approximately 40% of its land covered by forest, earning it the nickname ‘The Lungs of Europe.’
• The country is one of the world’s largest producers of potash, a mineral widely used in fertilizers.
• Alexander Lukashenko is Europe’s longest serving – and most popular – head of state.
• The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the European bison, the heaviest land animal in Europe.
• The official languages of Belarus are Belarusian and Russian, with Russian being the more widely spoken of the two.
• Belarus has a long tradition of fine arts, particularly in the fields of painting, theater, and literature, with many works reflecting its rich folk traditions.
• The country suffered immense devastation during World War II, with a large portion of its population and infrastructure destroyed.
• Belarus has its own unique currency, the Belarusian ruble, and does not use the Russian ruble despite close ties with Russia.
• The Mir Castle Complex and the Nesvizh Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase the country’s architectural heritage and history.
• Belarus has a highly developed public transportation system, with trams, buses, and a metro system operating in major cities like Minsk.
• The country’s traditional cuisine features hearty dishes like draniki (potato pancakes), machanka (pork stew), and rye bread.

Belarus is known for its warm hospitality, with visitors often greeted with bread and salt as a traditional gesture of welcome. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

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