Overview

The Republic of Belarus is a newly independent country which, prior to August 25, 1991, was known as the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. Since 1922 it had formed part of the Soviet Union. Geographically it is located in what is virtually the center of Europe, occupying 80,154 square miles (207,600 square kilometers). It is bounded by Poland to the west, Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, and Lithuania/Latvia to the north and northwest. Its flag has two horizontal stripes, one red and one green, with a vertical thin margin of red and white embroidery. The capital city is Minsk, and the official languages are Belarusan and Russian.

The country's population is 10.5 million, with 80 percent Belarusans, 13.2 percent Russians, 4.1 percent Polish, and 2.9 percent Ukrainians, the rest comprising Tatars, Jews, and Gypsies. More than 3 million Belarusans live outside Belarus, especially in Russia, Ukraine, Canada, and the United States. About 80 percent...