Facts for Kids

Belarus is a country in Eastern Europe 🎉, bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital city is Minsk, which is also the largest city. Belarus has a cool climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The country is known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers. Did you know that Belarus is also sometimes called “the last dictatorship in Europe”? This means it has a very different government style compared to most European countries. 🏛

️

Belarus has a mixed economy, which means it has both private businesses and state-owned companies 🏭. Important industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The country produces things like tractors, machinery, and textiles. Agriculture is also vital, and farmers grow potatoes, flax, and grains. In fact, Belarus is one of the world's top producers of potash, a mineral used in fertilizers! Money in Belarus is called the Belarusian ruble (BYN). 💰

Belarus has a fascinating history! 🌍

It was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th century, where it had its own princes. Later, it became part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century! After World War I, Belarus declared independence in 1918 but was soon taken over by the Soviet Union in 1922. It gained independence again in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. An important historical event was the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, which affected parts of Belarus and led to many changes in the country. 😮

Belarus is becoming a popular travel destination! 🌍

Tourists visit to see the gorgeous landscapes, historic castles, and beautiful cities like Minsk. One of the must-see places is the Brest Hero-Fortress, which honors those who defended it during World War II. Tourists also enjoy visiting the Mir Castle and getting to know the unique culture and traditions of the country. Belarus even has national parks where you can see wild animals and enjoy nature! 🦉

In Belarus, education is free and compulsory for children until they are 15 years old 🎒. Schools usually provide lessons in Belarusian or Russian. Students learn various subjects, including math, science, history, and languages. Higher education is available in universities, where students can specialize in different fields. Belarus has many universities, including Belarusian State University in Minsk, which is one of the oldest and most famous! 🎓

Belarus is known for its lush landscapes and vast forests 🌲. It has many rivers, the largest being the Dnieper and the Neman. The country has nearly 11,000 lakes! One of the most famous lakes is Lake Narach, which is perfect for swimming and fishing. The country is mostly flat, but there are some hills in the north and the east. The highest point is Dzhizheva Hill, which is only 345 meters tall! This makes it much lower than many mountains in other countries! 🏞

️

The main languages spoken in Belarus are Belarusian and Russian 🗣️. Belarusian is the official language, but many people also speak Russian in everyday life. Schools teach both languages, and kids often learn about their language's history and importance. You can spot some interesting words in Belarusian, like “duxovka,” which means “oven”! Learning new words in different languages can be fun! 📚

Belarus has a presidential political system 👔. This means that a president leads the country. The president, as of October 2023, is Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994! The government can make rules that citizens must follow, but it's different from many countries where people have many choices. Political parties exist, but they are closely watched by the government. This can make it hard for people to speak out about their ideas. 🗳

️

Belarus has rich natural resources that are important for its economy 🌿. One of the most valuable resources is potash, which is essential for agriculture. The country also has plenty of forests, providing timber for construction and paper. Belarus has natural gas deposits and a few oil wells, but it mostly relies on its neighbors for energy. The beautiful landscapes and clear rivers are also important, allowing for activities like fishing and tourism. 🌊

Belarus has a rich culture influenced by its history, art, and traditions 🎨. People celebrate many festivals, including Kupalle, which happens during the summer solstice. It involves dancing around bonfires and singing. Traditional food includes dishes like draniki (potato pancakes) and borscht (beet soup). Traditional dress features colorful patterns and embroidery, often worn during holidays. Moonstone and bison are important symbols in Belarus. The bison is the national animal and resides mainly in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park! 🦌