Everything you need to know about Belarus: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Belarus: The White Russia
The early inhabitants of Belarus were Slavic tribes who were then taken over by Mongols and simultaneously it came under the rule of Lithuanian Dukes. After due time, it merged with the Soviet Union Republic and in the year 1991 it became independent of Soviet rule as it got disintegrated following a war with the Nazis. Until then the Belarussians were subjected to the tyrannical rule of their President Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarus fast-Facts:
National Name: Republic of Belarus
Geography, Climate and Economy of Belarus:
elarus Terrain is relatively marshy and usually flat and one third of the country's area remains less populated owing to the inhospitable forest tracts. Besides this there are a number of rugged mountain ranges that provide elevated levels and highlands in some parts. The lowest point of Belarus is situated at a depth of 90m in Nyoman River and the highest point is at a height of 346m at Dzyarzhynskaya Hara. The Climate of this country is usually temperate and humid. There are a number of rivers in Belarus, which merge at Baltic and Black sea. This decreases the temperature thereby in summers and Belarus remains moderately cool and moist. The winters may be extremely cold as in the month of January the temperature level falls to ?6 degree Celsius. However, in general the climate ranges from continental to maritime.
Belarussian Economy is not very prosperous as it heavily depends on Russia for its major exports of electricity and oil. Moreover, the government has restrictive Economic policies that have hindered foreign investments. The natural resource of Belarus includes timber, limestone, sand, clay and meager quantities of oil and Natural gas.
Culture and Cuisine of Belarus:
elarus has a number of cultural influences such as Russian, Polish and the Byzantine Christian. The Russian cultural influence in particular is depicted through their literature, artworks, cuisine, music and dress. Some of the eminent Belarussian's include Jakub Kolas, Natalla Arseneva and Symeon of Polatsk. The music tradition includes Christian hymns and sermons dating back to 12 th century. Also Modern folk music is very famous among the locals.
A typical Belarus cuisine mainly consists of meat along with potatoes. Moreover, the natives prefer to eat salted pork and beef and they have a particular affinity for salads. The traditional dish of Belarus is called Pyachysta, which is another meat product. Some of the local Belarussian dishes also have Lithuanian influences and Polish too. Zacirka, is one of the most popular dish which is made of flour.
Tourist Attractions in Belarus:
The capital city of Belarus is Minsk, which comprises the archetypal historic sites and some very majestically built medieval palaces upholding a unique history. Besides this there are a number of National museums and gardens along with exotic wildlife, which attracts a number of tourists. Hrodna is yet another unique city situated on the banks of Neman River and also lies in close proximity to Poland and Lithuania.
Some other Places to Visit in Belarus are :
• Braslav Lakes National Park
• Buslovka Reserve
• Babruysk
• Baranovichi
• Biaroza
• Hrodna
• Mahilyow
• Vitsyebsk
• Navahradak
• Brest
• Pinsk
• Polotsk
Minsk, May 23 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Belarusian foreign ministry has dismissed part of the Religious Freedom Report published by the US State Department about the country as "outdated" and failing to take into account the current situation in the country.
Minsk (Belarus), May 21 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has told Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko that India deeply values its relations with the east European country, a statement from her office said Tuesday.
New Delhi, 18 May 18 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Saturday left for Belarus leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to the east European country.
Singapore, May 16 (IANS) The Football Association of Singapore named Bernd Stange the new coach of the national team for two years.
Havana, May 10 (IANS) Minister of Sport and Tourism of Belarus Alexander Igorievich Shamko says his country wants to strengthen sports cooperation with Cuba.
Lima (Peru), May 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Artem Okulov took gold in the 85 kg category at the junior weightlifting World Championship, bringing Russia's medal count to three.
Moscow, May 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Co-host Finland?s world ice hockey championship campaign got off to a stuttering start with a 4-3 overtime win against Germany.
Minsk, April 29 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belarus have held talks over bilateral relations and ways to boost them in all fields while stressing on the need to enhance the existing bonds between them.
Moscow, April 24 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Authorities in Perm, Russia, have arrested two male Russian weightlifters accused of smuggling and trafficking steroids from Belarus, the region's narcotics bureau said.
Russia has started to work on a plan to deploy "a Russian airbase with fighter jets and hopes to station an air regiment there in 2015", Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said when he met with Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk Tuesday.
London, Apr 20 (ANI): A bug that stoles cash by racking up charges from sending premium rate text messages has been found in Android Apps store.
Moscow, April 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia could introduce tighter passport regulations for citizens of former Soviet states crossing Russia's borders this year, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
Moscow, April 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian energy giant Gazprom is to become the title sponsor of a multi-nation league known as the South East Handball Association (SEHA), the Russian Handball Union reported Sunday.
New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) As many as 30 officials from 19 countries are attending a course on emerging poll challenges at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) of the Election Commission of India, officials said Friday.
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) India, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan are exploring the possibilities for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) India, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan are exploring the possibilities for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
New Delhi, Apr. 2 (ANI): India and Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) today agreed to move towards starting negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Customs Union (CU) that comprises the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.
Minsk, April 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A dog from a small village in Belarus has inherited a fortune of nearly $1 million from a US citizen of Belarusian origin.
Madrid, March 20 (IANS) Spain's football team will have to face Finland in Friday's World Cup qualifying game at home without Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
Abu Dhabi, March 19 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Belarus have held talks over bilateral cooperation and reviewed a number of important economic issues.
Qingdao (China), March 18 (IANS) Reigning Olympic champion Zhang Jike beat German Dimitrij Ovtcharov, bronze winner at the London Games, in straight games at the Asia-Europe Table Tennis All Stars Challenge.
Qingdao (China), March 17 (IANS) World No. 11 Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus upset China's Olympic champion Zhang Jike 3-2 at the Asia-Europe Table Tennis All Stars Challenge here.
Washington, March 17 (ANI): An intervention that succeeded in improving the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding during infancy did not result in a lower risk of overweight or obesity among the children, according to a study.
Qingdao (China), March 16 (IANS) Olympic champion Zhang Jike will compete against the World No. 11 Samsonov Vladimir of Belarus and German ace Ovtcharov Dimitrij in east China's coastal city Qingdao at the 2013 Asia-Europe Table Tennis All Stars Challenge this weekend.
Dubai, March 14 (IANS/WAM) The UAE and Belarus have held talks on ways to enhance parliamentary cooperation.
Moscow, March 14 (IANS) Breaking his silence for the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that elimination of wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games would be unjustified.
Indian Wells (California), March 13 (IANS) Top seed and former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus eased past Poland's Urszula Radwanska in straight sets to reach the last eight of WTA BNP Paribas Open here.
Sochi (Russia), March 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The biathlon track for next year's Winter Olympics here has "very dangerous" features that could cause injury and must be modified, the head of the Russian Olympic Committee said Sunday.
After the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, incumbent Vice-President Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as acting President despite the protest of opposition...................
Caracas, March 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in as acting president Friday despite the Opposition saying such a move was in violation of the country's constitution.
Tallinn, March 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Estonia's air defence forces have dismantled their last obsolete Soviet-made radars, the country's armed forces said.
New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) Chandrashekhar Rajesh's story should be inspiring for any sportsperson. The Tiruchirapalli-based cyclist came alive after being comatose for 10 days following an horrific accident last year and is now one of India's brightest prospects in the Asian Championships beginning here Thursday.
Tehran, Feb 23 (IANS) Iran claimed the freestyle title at the wrestling World Cup here.
New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Tsunami survivor Deborah is making rapid strides in cycling and has emerged as one of India's best bet in the Asian Championships scheduled here March 7-17.
Minsk (Belarus), Feb 15 (IANS) Turkey's Fenerbahce secured a goalless draw with Belarus's BATE Borisov in an away game after playing with 10-men for 86 minutes in the first leg of a Europa League last 32 clash in Belarusian city Grodno.
Kolkata, Feb 14 (IANS) With an aim to rapidly increase trade with Eurasia, negotiations have started between India and Eurasian countries for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), an official said Thursday.
Bishkek, Feb 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A military court in Kyrgyzstan Tuesday sentenced ousted former president Kurmanbek Bakiyev in absentia to 24 years in high security prison over office abuse while being in power.
Moscow, Feb 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia has slapped a temporary ban on US beef and pork imports over what it says is a failure by the US food safety watchdog to guarantee that the shipments are free of the feed additive ractopamine.
Moscow, Jan 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two-thirds of the world's nations lack the tools to counter corruption in their defence sectors, says a survey by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.
Melbourne, Jan 26 (IANS) Victoria Azarenka of Belarus won the women's singles title at the Australian Open defeating China's Li Na here Saturday.
Melbourne, Jan 24 (IANS) Following are the results of the Australian Open here at Melbourne Park Thursday:
Melbourne, Jan 24 (IANS) Former French Open champion Li Na of China swept second-seeded Russian Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2 to reach her second Australian Open women's singles final here Thursday.
Melbourne, Jan 23 (IANS) Following are the results of the Australian Open Wednesday:
New Delhi, Jan.21 (ANI): Defence Minister A K Antony would inaugurate the Ninth Edition of Aero India on February 6 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bangalore.
Minsk, Jan 14 (IANS/RIA Novosti) More than 4,200 convicts have been released in Belarus after an amnesty declared on the country's independence day last year, the interior ministry said Monday.
Melbourne, Jan 14 (IANS) China's World No.6 Li Na overpowered Sesil Karatantcheva of Kazakhstan 6-1, 6-3 to reach the Australian Open second round here Monday.
Chennai, Jan 14 (IANS) Grandmaster Aleksandrov Aleksej (Elo 2607) from Belarus has been given top billing in the Chennai Super Kings fifth international Grandmaster Chess tournament commencing here Tuesday.
Guide (China), Jan 12 (IANS) The third International Extreme Race of Winter Swimming across Yellow River started here in northwest China's Qinghai Province Saturday.
Moscow, Jan 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) China is to donate some $16 million to Belarus to support children in areas hit by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Belarusian government said Wednesday.
New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Grandmaster Aleksej Alexandrov of Belarus surged ahead with a hard-fought victory against International Master K. Rathnakaran in the third round of the premier section at Parsvnath International Chess Festival here Sunday.
Chennai, Dec 21 (IANS) Veteran tennis players Mahesh Bhupathi and Daniel Nestor will kickstart their doubles partnership with the Aircel Chennai Open beginning here Dec 31.
Moscow, Dec 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed an action programme be worked out to minimise possible risks involved in the upcoming reduction of the international military presence in Afghanistan.
Moscow, Dec 19 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Belarus and Russia have signed a contract for the delivery of four Yak-130 Mitten light attack aircraft to Belarus in 2015.
Moscow, Dec 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian police have uncovered the country's largest counterfeit currency network responsible for monthly producing over 40 million rubles ($1.3 million) of fake banknotes, including euros, the interior ministry said Tuesday.
Chandigarh, Dec 18 (IANS) Belarus, a land-locked country west of Russia, has proposed to set up an engine assembly and manufacturing unit of Minsk Motor in Haryana.
Jerusalem, Dec. 15 (Xinhua-ANI): Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman announced his resignation Friday afternoon, following the attorney general's decision to indict him on charges of fraud and breach of trust.
DOHA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua-ANI): United Nations climate talks in Doha on Saturday adopted a package of drafts of low-ambitious second period of Kyoto Protocol and weak commitment on climate finance after overnight negotiations over differences between developed and developing countries.
Moscow, Dec 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko has refuted claims by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that Russia was aiming to "re-Sovietize" Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Moscow, Dec 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to join Glonass, Russia's global positioning system.
Moscow, Dec 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a loose association of post-Soviet nations, have reaffirmed their resolve to intensify their joint counter-terrorism training programmes, the Russian presidential spokesman said.
Moscow, Dec 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Twenty-one customs officers at a Lithuanian customs checkpoint have been detained on suspicion of corruption and abuse of office, the Customs Department said.
Wellington, Dec 3(ANI): An Air New Zealand promotion that insinuates disgraced Belarusian shot putter Nadzeya Ostapchuk has male genitalia has sparked an angry backlash on social media website Twitter.
Moscow, Dec 1 (IANS/EFE) Russian soccer authorities say they want to revive the old Soviet league, an idea that has received support from leagues in former Soviet republics such as Ukraine, Belarus and Armenia.
London, Nov 30(ANI): David Beckham, who made the last of his 115 England appearances against Belarus at Wembley three years ago, has said he would like to play for the Three Lions again, but accepts it is unlikely he will wear the white shirt again.
New Delhi, Nov 28 (IANS) The union sports ministry has ties with eight countries, including China, for cooperation in the field of sports.
Madrid, Nov 21 (IANS) Valencia and Bayern Munich drew 1?1 in Valencia's Mestalla Stadium to ensure their places in the knock?out round of the Champions League.
New Delhi, Nov. 14 (ANI): The visiting Belarus Prime Minister, Dr. Mikhail Myasnikovich, on Wednesday invited India's private sector to invest in his country with specific focus on the fertiliser and pharmaceutical industries.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) Belarus Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich Wednesday sought more Indian investments in his country, asking business leaders to increase cooperation to boost economic ties.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday inaugurated the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF), which is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors over the next two weeks.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 32nd edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) here at Pragati Maidan today.
New Delhi, Nov 14 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the 32nd India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today.
Dhaka, Nov 14 (IANS) Bangladesh and Belarus have pledged to enhance cooperation in various fields.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) The 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) opens here Wednesday with over 6,000 exhibitors from India and 21 other countries.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) The 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) opens here Wednesday with over 6,000 exhibitors from India and 21 other countries.
New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) The 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) opens here Wednesday with over 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The 32nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) opens here Wednesday with over 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, and organisers expecting around 20 lakh visitors during the 14-day event.
New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) The 32nd edition of the annual India International Trade Fair (IITF) will open Wednesday with over 6,000 exhibitors and around 20 lakh visitors from India and abroad expected to throng the 14-day event, the official organiser has said.
Minsk, Nov 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed Vadim Zaitsev, head of the republic's State Security Committee (KGB), the presidential press service said Friday.
New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Six foreign envoys, including Japan's Ambassador to India Takeshi Yagi, presented their credentials to President Pranab Mukherjee here Thursday.
New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): Envoys of six nations presented their credentials to President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
New Delhi. Nov. 7 (ANI): The 32nd edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF-2012) is all set be commenced from November 14 to 27 like every year at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Dubai, Nov 5 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirate (UAE) and Belarus have discussed ways to boost trade relations.
Istanbul, Oct 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti) World No.3 Serena Williams defeated China's Li Na in the second group match of the $4.9 million WTA Tour Championships here.
Minsk (Belarus), Oct 24 (IANS) Roberto Soldado's hat trick led Valencia to a 3-0 win against BATE Borisov in a European Champions League group match here.
Madrid, Oct 17 (IANS) Spain's coach Vicente del Bosque was forced to admit that justice was done following Oliver Giroud's 94th minute goal which gave France a dramatic 1-1 draw in the World Cup qualifying game here.
Minsk, Oct 17 (IANS) Renan Bressan and Stanislav Dragun inspired Belarus to a comfortable win here in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I.
Tashkent, Oct 13 (IANS) Top seed and 65th-ranked Lukas Lacko of Slovakia will face unseeded Uladzimir Ignatik of Belarus in the final of the $125000 Tashkent ATP Challenger tennis event, played at the Olympic Tennis School here.
Tashkent, Oct 12 (IANS) Top seeded Lukas Lacko of Slovakia will clash with fifth seeded Ivan Dodig of Croatia while Czech Jan Mertl will take on Uladzimir Ignatik of Belarus in the semifinals of the $125,000 Tashkent ATP Challenger at the Olympic Tennis School here.
London, Oct 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) American player Serena Williams rose to the No.3 spot in the WTA rankings Monday, dropping Agnieszka Radwanska down a place.
Beijing, Oct 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Chinese star Li Na has booked the eighth and final place at WTA Tour Championships after reaching the semi-final of the China Open.
Madrid, Oct 5 (IANS) Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has named Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez in his squad for the reigning champions' two World Cup qualifying matches against Belarus and France.
Beijing, Oct 4 (IANS) Top two seeds Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, both bidding for their first title here, eased into the last eight in straight-set victories at the China Open Thursday.
Minsk, Oct 1 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko Monday said the state and government administration in the country will be downsized by 25 to 30 percent.
Liverpool (England), Sep 29 (IANS) China's World No.2 Ma Long, bidding for his first singles title at a major international competition, was shocked 0-4 by Chuang Chih-Yuan of Chinese Taipei at the men's table tennis World Cup here.
Prague, Sep 26 (IANS) Czech consumer finance provider Home Credit plans to invest over 100 million euros (about $77 million) in India, China and Vietnam and in expanding its activities in new markets like Indonesia and the Philippines over the next two years, the company announced.
Minsk, Sep 20 (IANS) Belarus Thursday denied Washington's accusations of trying to sell weapons to Syria and violating a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution after the US imposed sanctions on a Belarusian state-owned company.
Moscow, Sep 13 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Former European Greco-Roman wrestling champion Sergei Artyukhin has died of a heart attack aged 35, the Russian Wrestling Federation announced Thursday.
Madrid, Sep 12 (IANS) Spain football coach Vicente del Bosque said he expected a tough fight from Georgia, whom they beat 1-0 in an away game to kick-off their World Cup defence.
Minsk, Sep 11 (IANS) Belarus shot putter Nadezhda Ostapchuk, who had her Olympic title stripped in London for failing a drug test, received a one-year ban Tuesday.
Tbilisi (Georgia), Sep 11 (IANS) Spain captain Iker Casillas says that as defending World Cup champions, it felt strange to battle in out in the qualifiers for the 2014 edition.
