Buzz
Recently, Belarus has caught the attention of the global media, leaving many people, particularly in the West, curious about this lesser-known European country.
This list will dive into some of the most captivating aspects of Belarus, shedding light on its rich history and the vibrant people who call it home.
While this list doesn’t capture every detail about Belarus, it offers a solid starting point for anyone looking to learn more about this intriguing nation.
10. Belarus Is A Relatively New Country (Kind Of)
Belarus, like much of Europe, has been inhabited for centuries, with its people shaping a unique culture over time. However, the Republic of Belarus, as a nation, is a relatively recent development.
On March 25, 1918, Belarus declared its independence from Russia, marking the birth of the country we know today. However, it wasn’t immediately recognized as an independent nation.
The official recognition of Belarus as an independent state came much later, following the collapse of the U.S.S.R. in 1991. Belarus declared full independence on December 10, 1991, and was officially acknowledged shortly after. By March 1994, it had a functioning Constitution.
After gaining independence, Belarus became a member of various organizations, such as the United Nations, CIS, CSRO, and EAEU. Despite this, it has shown no interest in joining the European Union. The country has been led by President Alexander Lukashenko since he won the inaugural presidential election in 1994.
9. Belarus Is Home To The Last Remaining Primeval Forest In Europe
One of Europe’s most significant environmental tragedies in recent history has been the destruction of ancient forests. While this issue isn’t exclusive to Europe, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find forests that are as enchanting as those that inspired the tales of the Brothers Grimm.
Though this loss is widespread, Belarus stands out not only for its abundant forests but also as the home of Europe’s largest remaining old-growth forest. With forests covering 40% of the country’s 80,200 square miles (207,600 square kilometers), Belarus is truly a land of trees.
The crown jewel of these forests, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, is home to European bison and a variety of native plants and animals. Unfortunately, it’s all that remains of the vast primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain, but it remains a stunning natural treasure.
Some of Belovezhskaya Pushcha’s oak trees have stood for more than 600 years. Since 1992, this magnificent forest has been protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Białowieża Forest, which straddles the border with Poland. Since May 2015, it has been a visa-free area, offering easy access for visitors to experience its beauty.
8. Belarusians Have a Deep Affection for Potatoes
While potatoes are often associated with Ireland, Belarus actually leads the world in potato consumption per person. The country’s residents devour an impressive 397 lbs. (180 kg) of potatoes annually.
This is far more than the 150 lbs. (68 kg) per person consumed in Ireland each year. As is common in cultures that love versatile ingredients like the potato, Belarusians enjoy it in a variety of dishes, with potato pancakes being a national favorite.
Draniki (potato pancakes) are a beloved dish in Belarus and share similarities with those in other countries, though they are renowned for their rich flavor. Countless recipes can be found online in various languages, but the best way to enjoy them is with a dollop of fresh, homemade sour cream.
Although Belarus is the top consumer of potatoes, it is not the largest producer. Nevertheless, the country has a long-standing tradition of potato cultivation, and during its time in the U.S.S.R., Belarus developed numerous varieties that enhanced both yield and flavor.
7. Belarus’ National Animal Was Saved From Extinction
Belarus' national animal, the European bison (Wisent), is not only the heaviest land animal on the continent but also a symbol of strength and resilience. This majestic species nearly faced extinction due to overhunting in the 20th century.
By the 1950s, the European bison had almost disappeared from the wild, but a small population was saved just in time. In the 1950s, these bison were reintroduced to the Białowieża Forest, where they not only survived but thrived.
The reintroduction of that small group of bison has proven to be incredibly successful. Today, around 2,300 European bison roam the Białowieża Forest, making it one of Europe’s most successful efforts to prevent a species' extinction.
Currently, the European bison is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. Thanks to ongoing captive breeding programs, the species is no longer at risk of extinction. Interestingly, Belarus shares the honor of having the European bison as its national animal with Poland.
6. Belarus Is Renowned For Its Distinctive Alcoholic Beverage
Belarus, like many nations, is known for its unique alcoholic beverage. However, it’s one that most people outside of the country may not have experienced. Krupnik is a traditional drink that dates back to the 13th or 14th centuries and remains a favorite among Belarusians, Lithuanians, and Poles.
Krupnik is a distinctive blend of honey tincture and spices, which can include flavors such as cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Traditionally, it’s served hot in small porcelain cups, although many locals happily enjoy it straight from the bottle.
If you visit Belarus, you’ll likely encounter Krupnik in almost every restaurant, where it can be served either hot or cold. While not everyone enjoys it, and not everyone drinks alcohol, there’s another beloved drink to try if that’s the case.
Another iconic drink in Belarus is birch juice (Byarozavik), which is made from the sap of young birch trees. The sap is collected by cutting the tree’s branches, and though it might sound unusual, it’s an incredibly popular and refreshing beverage.
5. Minsk Is Steeped in Rich History
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city steeped in history and distinct features. Established in 967 AD, it predates Moscow and now boasts a population of around two million, far exceeding the population of the next largest city, which stands at just over 520,000.
One of Minsk’s most fascinating attributes is Independence Avenue. Not only is it the longest street in Belarus, but it also holds the title of the longest street in Europe. First laid out in the 16th century, it now stretches for over 9.3 miles (15 km).
Independence Avenue serves as the main artery of the city, lined with some of Minsk’s most significant landmarks. Along this route, you’ll find the House of Government, City Hall, various churches, the former KGB Headquarters, numerous parks, and much more.
The cultural importance of this street is so profound that it has earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List as a Cultural Property. Beyond Independence Avenue, Minsk is home to other historical and cultural treasures like the National Library of Belarus, Victory Square, the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, and many more.
4. Belarusians Are Exceptionally Literate
It’s common to assume that former Soviet Bloc countries have lower levels of education or wealth compared to other nations on the continent. However, this stereotype is largely inaccurate, particularly when it comes to Belarus, which boasts an impressive literacy rate of 99.76%.
This literacy rate is remarkably high, and while it might surprise many, an even more surprising fact is that Belarus’ literacy rate surpasses that of the United States, which stands at 99%. While the U.S. rate is also impressive, it falls slightly behind Belarus.
Belarus has deep roots in the printed word. The first book ever published in Eastern Europe, 'Psalter,' was printed by Francysk Skaryna in the 16th century. Skaryna, a pioneering figure in what would later become Belarus, is one of the country’s most revered historical figures.
Belarus’ enduring passion for literature remains evident today. In 2015, Svetlana Alexievich became the first Belarusian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized for her polyphonic writings, which serve as a monument to the suffering and courage of our time.
3. Belarus National Elections
Since the establishment of the Republic of Belarus, the country has been governed by one central figure: Alexander Lukashenko. He secured the country’s first Presidential election victory in 1994 and has remained in power ever since.
Belarus holds Presidential elections at regular intervals, but they are often criticized for not being free and fair, similar to how some Americans question the legitimacy of recent U.S. elections. Elections have occurred in 1994, 2001, 2006, 2010, 2015, and 2020, with voter turnouts consistently exceeding 80%, and the incumbent typically receiving 80% or more of the vote.
In the most recent election, Lukashenko emerged victorious, but the results were immediately challenged. Widespread left-wing protests broke out, and the main opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, fled the country as soon as the results were announced.
Under typical circumstances, a Presidential inauguration would be a grand public event, but the 2020 inauguration was far from traditional. Lukashenko was sworn into office privately, which angered the opposition and sparked continued political and civil unrest in Belarus.
2. Belarus Celebrates Many People
If you were to ask most people in the West to name a prominent figure from Belarus, you’d likely be met with blank stares. Although Belarus doesn’t often make headlines outside its borders, the country has had a significant influence, contributing many notable names to the world, even if in less direct ways.
Above all, Belarus honors Vladimir Lenin, with a Lenin Street found in every city. The country was once home to a man who made history: Lee Harvey Oswald, who lived in Minsk from 1959 to 1962. During his time there, he married a Belarusian woman and had two daughters.
Apart from figures like Oswald and Lenin, who have left more controversial marks on history, Belarus is also linked to numerous well-known personalities. Pavel Sukhoi, a legendary Soviet aircraft engineer, hails from Belarus, as does Marc Chagall, one of the nation’s most celebrated artists. Additionally, Larry King’s mother was born in Minsk, and two Israeli Presidents were born in Belarus.
Louis Bart Mayer, born in Minsk, might not be a household name, but his work is unmistakable. He founded MGM and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Harrison Ford’s grandparents came from Belarus, and several other celebrities with Belarusian ancestry include Michael Douglas, Ralph Lauren, and Scarlett Johansson.
1. Belarus Is A Medical Tourist Destination
Like many European countries, Belarus offers a fully free healthcare system, and it delivers exactly what it promises. Medical services in Belarus are almost entirely free, from routine checkups to complex surgeries such as cardiac, neurosurgery, and even organ transplants. As a result, Belarus has become a popular destination for medical tourism.
Not only is it common for people to seek medical care in Belarus, but the country actively encourages it! Around 200,000 international visitors come to Belarus annually for free medical treatment, and the government promotes this service to other European nations.
Universal healthcare is a point of great pride for the people of Belarus. Even in the wake of political unrest following the 2020 Presidential election, the healthcare system has remained largely unchanged. Most medical facilities are publicly owned and continuously undergoing reforms to improve the quality of care.
While healthcare is free in Belarus, it’s not unusual for patients to offer their healthcare providers small tokens of appreciation to ensure better care. Although this form of bribery is illegal, it is typically not monetary; instead, it often involves gifts, such as a bottle of fine cognac, exchanged between patients and doctors.
