Belarus, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, is bordered by Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, and Poland to the west. With its capital in Minsk, Belarus spans approximately 207,600 square kilometers and is home to around 9.4 million people. The country’s landscape is predominantly flat, characterized by extensive forests, numerous lakes, and a network of rivers, including the Dnieper and the Neman.

Historically, Belarus has been a crossroads of various cultures and powers. It was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the medieval period before joining the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In the late 18th century, it was absorbed into the Russian Empire and later became one of the founding republics of the Soviet Union in 1922. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Belarus declared independence and has since maintained a complex relationship with Russia.

Belarusian culture reflects a blend of Eastern European and Slavic traditions. The country’s official languages are Belarusian and Russian, with Belarusian being a key component of national identity. The population is predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christian, though there are significant minority communities, including Catholics and Jews.

Economically, Belarus has a mixed economy with a strong state sector. It relies heavily on manufacturing and heavy industry, including machinery, chemicals, and textiles. Agriculture also plays a crucial role, with large areas dedicated to farming. Despite its industrial base, the economy has faced challenges, including reliance on Russian subsidies and international sanctions.

Politically, Belarus is often noted for its authoritarian regime. Since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has been in power, and his government has faced criticism for human rights abuses and suppression of political dissent. Despite this, Belarus maintains a unique position in European geopolitics, balancing between Western nations and its historical ties with Russia.

Belarus is also known for its rich natural beauty and cultural heritage. It boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a primeval forest that is home to the European bison. Its vibrant folk traditions, literature, and art contribute to its distinct national identity, making Belarus a country with a rich historical tapestry and a complex contemporary landscape.