If you’re traveling to Russia, it is certainly worth taking a look at the countries that surround it and Belarus in particular is an amazing land of history and beautiful natural features.
The Basics
Belarus lies to the South East of Russia and has a population of around nine and a half million, most of whom live in the capital Minsk and the surrounding areas.
Belarus used to be one of the countries of the Soviet Union before becoming independent in 1991. However, its transition to democracy has stalled and its current President, Alexander Lukashenko, has used repressive techniques to cling onto power since 1994. Unlike other surrounding countries, Belarus still imports its oil from Russia while its main exports include tractors and other heavy machinery; this leaves it heavily dependent on its larger neighbour.
History
Belarus has played a major part in the overall history of Russia and the Soviet Union and naturally, there have been some grim periods mixed in with the good times.
One of the bleakest periods occurred in World War II when invading German forces laid waste to many Belarusian villages, some of which have never been rebuilt. This map-altering atrocity is commemorated in the Khatyn War Memorial which spans over 50 hectares. Khatyn was one of the villages worst affected by these acts.
Minsk
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus and the main focal point for the country’s tourist industry. During the Second World War, around 80% of Minsk was reduced to rubble by enemy forces and therefore, the vast majority of the architecture here dates from the 1950’s.
As a result, the buildings in and around Minsk can give a fascinating insight into life at the height of the Stalinist Soviet era.
One of the most bizarre tourist attractions in Minsk is the former residence of Lee Harvey Oswald. The assassin of John F. Kennedy spent time in the Soviet Union and was sent to Minsk where he married a local woman before returning to the US to make his indelible mark on World history.
Elsewhere in the capital, many visitors also like to see the ancient churches and the museum of history and culture. Meanwhile, the vast artificial reservoir known as the Minsk Sea has its own public, man-made beach and it is a popular area for tourists and locals alike.
Getting in and Around
If you are traveling directly to Belarus, the likelihood is that you will arrive at the International Airport here. If you can’t find a direct flight to Belarus from your city then travel via Moscow is the most popular method.
Train and road links also exist but can be both crowded and unreliable at times.
Belarus has two official languages – Russian and Belarusian and if you are traveling here, you will find that English is rarely used. A few useful Russian phrases should be enough to get you by however.
For many people, Belarus hasn’t advanced far beyond some of the bleaker days of the old USSR but that alone is one of the reasons why many choose to come here. It is certainly an interesting country and one that the overseas visitor should find to be truly fascinating.
