Belarus, officially known as the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The capital and largest city is Minsk.
The geography of Belarus consists mostly of flat terrain with extensive forests, large marshy areas, and numerous lakes. The country's highest point is Dzyarzhynskaya Hara at 346 meters. Major rivers include the Dnieper River, Neman River, and Western Dvina, which play crucial roles in the country's water supply and transport.
The history of Belarus can be traced back to medieval times when the region was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the late 18th century, following the Partitions of Poland, most of the territory of modern-day Belarus became part of the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution and the Treaty of Riga, Belarus was split between Poland and Soviet Russia, later becoming the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1922 as part of the Soviet Union.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus declared its independence. The country has since navigated its path as a sovereign nation, maintaining strong ties with Russia, particularly through organizations like the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Union State with Russia.
Belarus operates under a presidential system with a strong executive branch. The president has significant power, and elections have been a point of contention due to allegations of fraud and suppression of opposition. The current president, Alexander Lukashenko, has been in power since 1994, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Europe.
The economy of Belarus is mixed, with state control over key sectors like energy, machinery, and heavy industry. Agriculture, particularly the production of potato, rye, wheat, and flax, plays a significant role. The country is known for its high literacy rate and education system, contributing to its workforce.
Belarusian culture has been shaped by its history under different rulers. The Belarusian language and literature have seen a revival post-independence. Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion, although there are significant Catholic and Protestant minorities. Traditional crafts like weaving and pottery are still practiced.
Human rights in Belarus have been a matter of international concern, with reports of restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and assembly. The government's response to protests, particularly following the 2020 presidential election, has drawn widespread criticism.