Belarus
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 9
Currency
💱 Belarusian ruble
Languages
🗣️ Belarusian, Russian
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Belarus
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Belarusian
Independence
August 25, 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Top-Level Domain
.by
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+375
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+03:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Minsk
ISO Alpha-2
BY
ISO Alpha-3
BLR
UN Code
112
Geographic Coordinates
53,28
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
207,600#86 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
9,056,080#100 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
45.22
Highest Point (m)
345 meters (Dzyarzhynskaya Hara)
Lowest Point (m)
90 meters (along the Neman River)
Land Use
Approximately 34% arable land, 44% forest.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 1,690 square kilometers (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Temperate continental, with cold winters and mild summers.
Natural Resources
Forests, peat deposits, potash, and some oil and gas.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Major Rivers
Dnipro, Berezina, Pripyat, Neman.
Major Lakes
Narach, Osveya, Lukomlskaye.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
6 regions (oblasts) and 1 city (Minsk).
Legal System
Based on civil law; influenced by Russian law.
Chief of State
President Aleksandr Lukashenko
Head of Government
Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Presidential elections are held; the details are subject to international dispute.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Assembly (Council of the Republic and House of Representatives).
Major Political Parties
Belarusian Communist Party, Republican Party of Labour and Justice (though the political landscape is dominated by the ruling regime).
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Belarusian ruble
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
93.4#81 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
315.43#66 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10,279.25#103 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.9
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
31.58
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
49.98
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.6#39 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4,795,335
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.38#131 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
33.24
Budget
Information on the current budget can be found on the Ministry of Finance website.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
51.44#64 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
53.26#67 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $7.7 billion (2022).
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at local banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Industry 40.5%, Services 52.3%, Agriculture 7.2% (2020).
Major Industries
Agriculture, manufacturing (machinery, metalworking, electronics), and services.
Major Export Partners
Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union.
Major Import Partners
Russia, China, and the European Union.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
99.87#9 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13.1
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -1.3 migrants per 1,000 population (2021).
Median Age
Approximately 41 years (2021).
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
79.49#60 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 0.2% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.).
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
74.4#112 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.2% (2021 est.).
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
7.08
Ethnic Groups
Belarusian 84.9%, Russian 7.9%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4% (2019 est.).
Religions
Eastern Orthodox 48.3%, Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, unaffiliated 41.1% (2011 est.).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Belarusian, Russian
Education
Education System
The education system in Belarus is state-controlled, offering free education at all levels, from primary to higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
15.4
Government Education Spending
Belarus dedicates a significant portion of its government budget to education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include Belarusian State University, Belarusian National Technical University, and others.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Belarusian culture blends Eastern Slavic traditions with influences from its history, including folk music, dance, and crafts. The country has a strong literary tradition.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Новы год (2026-01-01)
- Новы год (2026-01-02)
- Каляды праваслаўныя (2026-01-07)
- Мiжнародны жаночы дзень (2026-03-08)
- Радунiца (2026-04-21)
- Дзень працы (2026-05-01)
- Дзень Перамогi (2026-05-09)
- Дзень Незалежнасцi (2026-07-03)
- Дзень Кастрычніцкай рэвалюцыі (2026-11-07)
- Каляды каталiцкiя (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include folk music, pop, and rock, often with Belarusian lyrics.
Traditional Food
Traditional food features dishes like draniki (potato pancakes), machanka (pork stew), and kulaga (sweet berry pudding).
Sports
Popular sports include football (soccer), ice hockey, and biathlon. Belarus has achieved success in Olympic sports.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk, celebrating music and culture, and various harvest festivals.
Famous People
Famous people include artists, writers, athletes, and scientists who have contributed to Belarusian culture and achievements.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Belarus has various cultural heritage sites, including historical buildings, museums, and monuments.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO sites include Mir Castle Complex and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
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Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index can vary; it's recommended to consult recent healthcare reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service; public healthcare is available.
Number of Hospitals
There are numerous hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country; precise numbers vary.
Universal Healthcare
Belarus has a universal healthcare system funded by the state, providing free medical services to citizens.
Medical Services Overview
Belarus has a comprehensive public healthcare system, with both public and private options available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout Belarus; dial 103 for assistance.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Belarus has an extensive railway network, serving both passenger and freight transportation.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
The transportation system includes a mix of roads, railways, and public transport in cities.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Brest International Airport (BQT), Minsk National Airport (MSQ), Gomel Airport (GME), Hrodna Airport (GNA), Mogilev Airport (MVQ), Orsha Airport - Balbasovo Air Base (TXC)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
94.26#37 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.94#43 of 202
Air Quality Index
—
Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—
International Organizations
—
Major Treaties
—
Visa-Free Countries
—