Belarus, often in the news recently, remains a mystery to many. This landlocked country in Eastern Europe has a rich history and unique culture. Here are ten fascinating facts to pique your interest and broaden your understanding of Belarus.
Belarus Is Relatively New (Ish)
While people have inhabited Belarus for centuries, developing a unique culture, the Republic of Belarus is relatively new. It declared independence from Russia on March 25, 1918, but wasn’t officially recognized until the U.S.S.R. dissolved in December 1991. A working Constitution was established by March 1994. Since then, Belarus has joined various international organizations but hasn’t pursued membership in the European Union. Alexander Lukashenko has led the country since winning the first presidential election in 1994.
Belarus Is Home To The Last Stretch Of Primeval Forest In Europe
Europe has lost many old-growth forests over the centuries. Belarus is home to Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the largest old-growth forest in Europe. Forests cover 40% of the country’s 80,200 square miles. This forest is home to European bison and various indigenous plants and animals. Some oak trees have stood for over 600 years. Since 1992, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, since May 2015, a visa-free area bordering Poland.
Belarusians Absolutely Love Potatoes
While Ireland is often associated with potatoes, Belarus consumes the most potatoes per capita. The average Belarusian eats 397 lbs (180 kg) of potatoes annually. Belarusians enjoy potatoes in various dishes, with potato pancakes (Draniki) being a national favorite. Draniki are often served with fresh homemade sour cream. Belarus developed numerous breeds that improved the yield and flavor of potatoes during its time in the U.S.S.R.
Belarus’ National Animal Was Saved From Extinction
The European bison (Wisent), the national animal of Belarus, is the heaviest land animal in Europe. It nearly went extinct due to overhunting. In the 1950s, a small population was released in the Białowieża Forest and thrived. This reintroduction is one of the most successful attempts to prevent a natural extinction on the continent. Today, the European Bison is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN. Belarus shares the distinction of having the European Bison as its national animal with Poland.
Belarus Is Famous For Its Unique Alcoholic Beverage
Belarus is known for Krupnik, a traditional alcoholic drink that appeared in Belarus, Lithuania, and Poland in the 13th or 14th centuries. Krupnik is a mixture of honey tincture and spices like cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s traditionally served heated in small porcelain cups. Another unique beverage is birch juice (Byarozavik), made from the sap of birch trees, which is also incredibly popular.
Minsk Is Full Of History
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, was founded in 967 AD, making it older than Moscow. The city is home to about two million people. Independence Avenue, the longest street in Belarus and Europe, stretches for over 9.3 miles (15 km). It features landmarks like the House of Government and City Hall. Minsk also hosts the National Library of Belarus and the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus.
Belarusians Are A Highly Literate People
Belarus has a literacy rate of 99.76%, higher than that of the United States (99%). Francysk Skaryna printed the first book in Eastern Europe, “Psalter,” in the 16th century. Svetlana Alexievich, a Belarusian writer, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015 “for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time.”
Belarus Is A Medical Tourist Destination
Belarus offers a free medical system, attracting around 200,000 foreigners annually for medical treatment. Healthcare includes everything from annual checkups to cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and transplants, all at no cost. Most medical facilities are state-owned and operated. Offering small gifts to healthcare workers to enhance care is common, though technically illegal.
Belarus Celebrates Many People
Many famous individuals have ties to Belarus. Lee Harvey Oswald lived in Minsk from 1959 to 1962. Pavel Sukhoi was a renowned Soviet aircraft engineer, and Marc Chagall is one of the country’s most famous artists. Larry King’s mother came from Minsk, and two Israeli Presidents were born in Belarus. Louis Bart Mayer, the founder of MGM, was also born in Minsk. Celebrities like Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, Ralph Lauren, and Scarlett Johansson have Belarusian roots.
Belarus National Elections
Alexander Lukashenko has led Belarus since winning the first presidential election in 1994. Presidential elections occur periodically, but their fairness is often disputed. The 2020 election results were contested, leading to nationwide protests. Lukashenko was secretly sworn into office, further angering the opposition, and political and civil unrest continue in Belarus.
Belarus is a country full of surprises, from its vast forests to its unique traditions. Each fact offers a glimpse into the nation’s rich tapestry. What did you find most surprising? Leave your comments below!
