1. A Potato Paradise
If you love potatoes, Belarus is the place for you! In fact, the country is often jokingly referred to as 'the potato state of Europe'. With over 300 different potato dishes to try including draniki, the beloved national dish, it's clear to see why Belarusians love this versatile vegetable.
2. A Country of "Blue Lakes"
Belarus is home to approximately 11,000 lakes, earning it the moniker, "A Country of Blue Lakes". The Braslav Lake Area is the most famous of these, known for its pristine beauty and rich flora and fauna.
3. A Unique Language Phenomenon
Belarus is the only country where the local language, Belarusian, is not the main language spoken. The majority of the population speaks Russian in daily life, even though both Russian and Belarusian are official languages.
4. Home to the Europe's Largest Forest
Belarus hosts the oldest and largest forest in Europe, Bialowieza Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 800 European bison, the continent's heaviest land animal.
5. A Landlocked Country
Belarus is a landlocked country bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Yet, despite its lack of sea, the country's more than 20,000 rivers and plethora of lakes ensure it is well endowed with water resources.
6. The Belarusian Santa Claus
Did you ever meet Santa's Belarusian counterpart? Belarusians call him "Ded Moroz" (Grandfather Frost) and he resides in the town of Belovezhskaya Pushcha. His residency there has become a popular tourist attraction especially around Christmas time.
7. World's Most Polluted Country
After the tragic Chernobyl disaster in 1986, 70% of the radioactive fallout landed on Belarus, making it the most radioactively contaminated country in the world. The exclusion zone is now a hauntingly beautiful nature reserve, a symbol of resilience for Belarusians.
8. The Country of Castles
Belarus boasts an impressive collection of ancient castles that have stood the test of time. The Mir Castle and Niasviž Castle are especially notable. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are popular tourist destinations.
9. A Land of Tractors
Proud of its rich agricultural heritage, Belarus is one of the world's largest producers of tractors. The Minsk Tractor Works has made over 3 million tractors and exports to more than 100 countries across the globe.
10. Hosting the Second Oldest Metro in the USSR
The Minsk Metro, opened in 1984, is the second oldest metro system in the former USSR territory, after Moscow's.
11. A Country of Bogs
Interestingly, almost a quarter of Belarus’ territory is covered by bogs. These peat bogs serve as an important natural resource for the country and play a significant role in its ecosystem.
12. The White Stork - National Bird
In Belarus, the White Stork is the national bird, believed to bring harmony and happiness to the family. It's estimated that the country is home to over twenty percent of the world’s stork population.
13. Museum of Boulders
Witness a unique museum in Belarus - "World of Stones". This collection of boulders and stones, found across country, showcases their geological richness and diversity, and holds a special fascination for geology enthusiasts!
14. Bread and Salt Tradition
In Belarusian culture, guests are traditionally greeted with bread and salt, signifying hospitality and the wish for good fortune and long life.
15. Land of Libraries
Despite its modest population, Belarus has over 15 million books in libraries across the country. The jewel in the crown is the National Library of Belarus in Minsk with its distinctive rhombicuboctahedron shape.
16. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
Belarus showcases one of Europe’s oldest nature reserves and the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once spread across the European Plain - The Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park.
17. Birthplace of Marc Chagall
Vitebsk, a city in Belarus, is the birthplace of renowned artist Marc Chagall. His work has left an indelible mark on the city and there is a museum dedicated to his works.
18. The Country of Marshlands
It might surprise you to know that up to 40% of the land in Belarus is made up of marshland. These marshlands serve as a nature reserve, hosting a diverse range of flora and fauna.
19. Home to Europe's Deepest Subway Station
Minsk Metro hosts the "Institut Kultury" station, the deepest subway station in Europe. Nestled 105.6 meters underground, it holds high importance for city transportation.
20. A State-Run Economy
Belarus has one of the world's last state-run economies. The state controls all major industries, and privately-run businesses account for only a small percentage of the country's GDP.