Belarus: A Country's Visual Overview And Appeal

Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus has a population of 9.1 million, with the majority of its people living in the capital city of Minsk. The country has a hemiboreal climate and is divided administratively into six regions. Belarusians, the country's native people, are an East Slavic ethnic group who speak Belarusian, an East Slavic language. The country's two official languages are Belarusian and Russian. Belarus has a parliamentary system of government, with a president and the National Assembly. However, it has been described as Europe's last dictatorship due to its authoritarian style of government led by President Alexander Lukashenko.

Geography and climate

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a hemiboreal climate. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus spans an area of 207,600 square kilometres (80,200 sq mi) with a population of 9.1 million. The country is divided into six regions and has Minsk as its capital and largest city.

Belarus has a cool continental climate moderated by maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean. The country lies within two ecoregions: Sarmatic mixed forests and Central European mixed forests. The average January temperatures range from −4 °C (24.8 °F) in the southwest (Brest) to −8 °C (17.6 °F) in the northeast (Vitebsk), while the average temperature in July is generally around 18 °C (64.4 °F). Belarus has an average annual rainfall of 550 to 700 mm (21.7 to 27.6 in).

Belarus has more than 20,000 streams, with a total length of about 56,300 miles (90,600 km), and more than 10,000 lakes. The country lies in the basin of the Dnieper River and its major tributaries, the Pripyat and the Sozh. Other major rivers include the Neman, which flows westward towards the Baltic Sea, and the Western Dvina, which flows northward. The country is relatively flat, with its highest point, Dzyarzhynskaya Hara (Dzyarzhynsk Hill), reaching 345 metres (1,132 ft) above sea level. Belarus also has extensive marshland, with the Pripet Marshes in the south-central region being among the largest wetlands in Europe.

About 40% of Belarus is covered by forests, and the country has a rich biodiversity. The natural vegetation consists of mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, with pine, spruce, oak, and hornbeam being common tree species. Wildlife includes elk, deer, boars, hares, squirrels, foxes, badgers, martens, and beavers. The rivers are well-stocked with fish, and birds such as grouse, partridge, woodcocks, and snipes are also found in the region.

History

The history of Belarus dates back to the Stone Age, with the first signs of settlements in ancient Belarus dating back some 250,000 BC. The Stone Age site in the village of Ogovo is considered one of the oldest in Eastern Europe.

During the Middle Ages, the lands of modern-day Belarus were split between different regional principalities, including Polotsk, Turov, Vitebsk, and others. These lands were later absorbed by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was merged into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 16th century.

Following the partitions of Poland in the 18th century, Belarusian territories became part of the Russian Empire. After the Russian Revolution of 1917, different states arose, competing for legitimacy amid the civil war, ultimately ending with the consolidation of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a founding constituent republic of the Soviet Union in 1922.

During World War II, Belarus was devastated by the German occupation and lost about a quarter of its population and half of its economic resources. After the war, in 1945, Belarus became a founding member of the United Nations and the Soviet Union.

Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union on 25 August 1991 and adopted a new constitution in 1994. However, the country has been led by an authoritarian government under President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994. Lukashenko has continued several Soviet-era policies and retained close ties with Russia, signing a treaty for greater cooperation in 2000.

Early History and Medieval Period

• The territory of modern-day Belarus was inhabited by early Slavic tribes, such as the Dregovichi, Radimichi, Krivichi, and Drevlyane, who established local principalities like Pinsk, Turaw, Polatsk, Slutsk, and Minsk by the 8th to 9th centuries.
• These principalities came under the suzerainty of Kievan Rus, the first East Slavic state, in the mid-9th century.
• The regional economy was based on primitive shifting agriculture, honey collecting, and fur hunting, with trade developing along the rivers, particularly the Dnieper River.
• Many towns of present-day Belarus, such as Polatsk, Turaw, Brest, and Minsk, were founded by the end of the 12th century.
• In the 13th century, the fragile unity of Kievan Rus' disintegrated due to nomadic incursions from Asia, including the Mongol sacking of Kiev in 1240.
• The East Slavic principalities in modern-day Belarus were acquired by the expanding Grand Duchy of Lithuania, beginning with the rule of King Mindaugas (1240-1263).
• The Lithuanians' smaller numbers gave the Ruthenians (later Belarusians and Ukrainians) an important role in the cultural life of the state. The Ruthenian language was widely used as a colloquial language due to the prevalence of East Slavs and the Eastern Orthodox faith.
• The Union of Lublin in 1569 created the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a federated state with Poland dominating politically. However, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania retained significant autonomy and was governed by its separate code of laws, the Lithuanian Statutes.

Russian Rule and World War I

• By the late 18th century, following the partitions of Poland, all Belarusian lands became part of the Russian Empire.
• Under Russian rule, the territory of Belarus was divided into governorates, and Belarusian culture and language were suppressed in favour of Russification policies.
• The independence-seeking uprisings of the gentry in 1830 and 1863 were subdued by the Russian government forces.
• In the late 19th century, the Belarusian economy experienced significant growth due to the Industrial Revolution, and the emancipation of the serfs in 1861 boosted industrialization further.
• During World War I (1914-1918), heavy fighting between German and Russian troops occurred in the region, resulting in considerable destruction.
• After the Russian Revolution of 1917, different states arose amid the civil war, with the Bolsheviks ultimately consolidating power and forming the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, a founding constituent of the Soviet Union in 1922.
• The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918 temporarily ceded parts of present-day Belarus to Germany, but these terms were abrogated after Germany's defeat.

World War II and Soviet Era

• During World War II, Belarus was occupied by Nazi Germany and suffered devastating losses, losing about a quarter of its population and half of its economic resources.
• The Nazis attempted to establish a puppet Belarusian government, but in reality, they imposed a brutal racist regime, burning down villages, deporting people for slave labour, and killing hundreds of thousands of civilians.
• A powerful Belarusian resistance movement emerged, inflicting heavy damage on German supply lines and disrupting communications.
• The Soviet Union recaptured Minsk in 1944 and regained control of all of Belarus by the end of the war.
• After World War II, Belarus became a founding member of the United Nations and continued as a constituent republic of the Soviet Union.
• The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 contaminated about a fifth of Belarusian land and resulted in the evacuation and resettlement of thousands of people.

Independence and the Lukashenko Era

• On 27 July 1990, Belarus declared its national sovereignty, and on 25 August 1991, it proclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union following its dissolution.
• A new constitution was adopted in 1994, and Alexander Lukashenko was elected as the first president of the independent republic.
• Lukashenko has maintained an authoritarian style of government, continuing several Soviet-era policies and retaining close ties with Russia.
• Belarus has faced criticism from Western countries and human rights organizations for its lack of civil liberties, freedom of the press, and fair elections.
• Lukashenko's disputed victory in the 2020 presidential election led to widespread protests and allegations of vote-rigging, resulting in international sanctions against Belarus.

People and culture

The culture of Belarus is the result of thousands of years of development influenced by a variety of factors, including the physical environment, the ethnographic background of its people, and the region's religious diversity. Belarusians have a strong appreciation for art, music, theatre, and literature, which is instilled from a young age. The country has a rich cultural and artistic heritage that dates back many centuries, encompassing significant schools of art and architecture, as well as unique musical and literary works.

History and Religion

The history of Belarus is closely tied to its neighbouring countries, as the region has been controlled by various states throughout the centuries, including Kievan Rus', the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and the Russian Empire. Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which has links to Byzantine literary and cultural traditions, played a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of Belarusians. The country also has a history of paganism, Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam.

Art and Literature

Belarusian literature has a long history, dating back to the 11th-13th centuries with religious scripture and poetry. In the 16th century, Francysk Skaryna translated the Bible into Old Belarusian, making it the first book printed in Eastern Europe. Modern Belarusian literature began in the late 19th century, with writers such as Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas, who wrote about rural themes and modernised the Belarusian literary language.

Art in Belarus has been influenced by both Eastern and Western European traditions. Fine art in the country varies in style, direction, and genre, with the most captivating works showcased in museums across the country, including the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus.

Music and Theatre

Music is an integral part of Belarusian culture, with most people in the country able to play at least one musical instrument. Classical music remains popular, with various orchestras and choirs performing regularly. Traditional and folk music also have a strong following, with bands like Pesniary, Syabry, and Verasy keeping the tradition alive. Belarus has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2004, showcasing its modern pop music.

Theatre in Belarus has evolved from folk rituals and travelling minstrels. The country now boasts a diverse range of theatre and drama, including puppet theatres, professional theatre companies, opera, and ballet. The National Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Ballet of the Republic of Belarus, in particular, has an excellent reputation.

Traditional Dress

The traditional two-piece Belarusian dress originated from the time of Kievan Rus'. The clothing is designed to provide warmth and is typically made from fabrics such as flax or wool. The outfits are adorned with symbolic ornaments and influenced by the dress of neighbouring cultures, including Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and other European nations. Embroidery plays a significant role in Belarusian traditions.

Government and politics

Belarus is a presidential republic with a bicameral parliament. The President of Belarus is the head of state and is directly elected by the people. The President has the power to initiate legislation, enact decrees, and appoint the Prime Minister, who is the ceremonial head of government. The President also determines the structure of the government, appoints and dismisses ministers, and decides on the resignation of the government or its members. The President's authority is established and defined by the Belarus Constitution and the Presidential Act of the Republic of Belarus.

The Parliament of Belarus, known as the National Assembly, acts as the representative and legislative body of the country. It is made up of two chambers: the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives. Members of the Council of the Republic serve four-year terms, while members of the House of Representatives are popularly elected to serve five-year terms.

The Belarusian Government, or the Council of Ministers, is made up of the Prime Minister, his deputies, and ministers. The Government is accountable to the President and derives its powers from the Constitution. The Constitution also mandates the separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with each branch being independent and interacting based on a system of checks and balances.

The judicial power in Belarus is vested in the court system, with the Supreme Court, the Supreme Economic Court, and the Constitutional Court being the highest courts in the land. The Constitutional Court, composed of 12 judges serving 11-year terms, has the final ruling on the republic's basic law.

Alexander Lukashenko has been the President of Belarus since 1994. Lukashenko's administration has been characterised as authoritarian, with elections being manipulated and the media being controlled. The opposition parties have faced challenges and have had limited success. International observers have deemed subsequent elections after Lukashenko's initial victory as falling short of international standards.

The Belarusian political landscape includes a variety of registered political parties, such as the Communist Party of Belarus, the Liberal Democratic Party, the Agrarian Party, the Party of Communists of Belarus, and the Belarusian Social Democrats. However, political success is often tied to loyalty to the President rather than party affiliation.

Economy

Belarus has an upper-middle-income, mixed economy, which is export-oriented with a well-developed manufacturing industry, services sector, and agriculture. It is the world's 74th-largest economy by GDP and has been described as a welfare state or market socialist.

The Belarusian economy is dominated by a few dozen large state-owned enterprises, which fall into two groups. The first group includes the four most valuable state-owned companies: Belaruskali, which produces one-fifth of the world's potash; two oil refineries, Naftan and Mozyr; and the nitrate fertiliser company, Grodno Azot. These four companies account for about two-thirds of Belarus's exports to the West. The second group of major state enterprises manufactures Soviet products for the Russian market. Russia accounts for almost half of Belarusian trade, and no country is as dependent on the Russian market as Belarus.

The Belarusian economy has not grown since 2012. In 2013, Belarusian GDP per capita was $8,000, but this had fallen to $7,000 by 2021. Despite this, Belarus's GDP expanded by 18.3% in comparable prices between 2010 and 2020, with productivity growing by 28.2% over the same period. Gross domestic product per capita based on purchasing power parity increased from $15,400 in 2010 to $20,100 in 2019.

Belarus has a highly regulated labour market, with important elements of the central planning system still in place. The official unemployment rate is less than 1%, although this figure is likely to be inaccurate due to the methods used to calculate it. World Bank figures put the figure at 7%, while other estimates range from 6.1% to 24%.

Belarus has a central banking system led by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, which represents the interests of the state and is the main regulator of the country's banking system. The president of Belarus appoints the chair and members of the board of the National Bank, designates auditing organisations to examine its activities, and approves its annual report. There is a history of government interference in monetary and exchange rate policies.

Belarus has six free economic zones (FEZ): Minsk, Brest, Gomel-Raton, Mogilev, Grodno Invest, and Vitebsk. The tax and regulatory pattern applicable to businesses in these zones is simpler and lower than elsewhere in Belarus. To become an FEZ resident, an investor needs to make a minimal investment of €1 million, or at least €500,000, provided the entire sum is invested within a three-year period, as well as engage in the production of import-substituting products or goods for export.

Belarus also has a high-tech sector, led by EPAM, a New York-listed company with 41,000 employees and a market capitalisation of $32 billion. The high-tech component of the Belarusian economy accounted for about 5% of GDP before the start of the current crisis last year, but much of it has since evacuated to friendlier countries.

In June and August 2021, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada imposed severe financial and trade sanctions on Belarus. These sanctions have made it more difficult for Belarus to deal in hard currency, causing a technical default on external debts in 2022 and a corresponding drop in the country's international credit rating.

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