Its events and facts, and its development are directly related to the formation of the Belarusian people. Historical personalities and Belarusian figures who have made an invaluable contribution to the achievements of the history and culture of the Belarusian state are known far beyond the borders of the republic. famous Belarus and its attractions: many cities and villages to this day keep countless well-preserved, full of unsolved mysteries of Belarusian history!
Belarusian traditions, customs, rituals and holidays.
Cultural and historical heritage of Belarus is closely connected with Christian motives, but at the same time, the pagan rituals preserved by the people remain relevant. That is why a huge number of Belarusian cultural traditions have survived to this day, as well as ancient pagan rituals, such as Kupalle, Kolyada, Dozhinki, Maslenitsa and others. It should be noted that to this day people are sensitive to these events, follow the calendar, and many still honor the knowledge of their ancestors and their holidays.
Achievement of our culture is the preservation of cultural and folklore, which perfectly conveys the character of the Belarusian people, its zest. Here we can include songs, games, dances and fairy tales, legends and riddles, proverbs and sayings of ancestors. They are tremblingly guarded by the population and passed down from generation to generation, preserved in books and films, honored at holidays.
Belarusian embroidery is the cultural heritage of Belarus.
Vyshyvanka- This is the Belarusian national dress, which in our time is gaining popularity again. Now vyshyvanka has reached the international level and has become known to the public.
Our ancestors did not wear beautiful embroidered clothes every day, they were saved for special occasions. Clothing in patterns was kept for weddings and other festive events, it was a “day off”. The red pattern had a special meaning for our ancestors, it was a talisman that was applied along the edges of clothes in the form of patterns. These patterns protected a person from everything bad.
Embroidering a pattern on an outfit is painstaking work, the work could take many months, but the result brought a lot of happiness and benefit. Each craftswoman tried to make her outfits the most beautiful. At the same time, embroidery on fabric was a common household activity for every woman, embroidery was applied to clothes and towels, but these products were not put up for sale.
National Belarusian ornament- this is not just a decoration of the outfit, but a whole story. Each symbol embroidered on such clothes had meaning and sacred meaning. All patterns can be "unraveled", they are connected with the earth and are a special cipher of the Belarusian people.
Of course, modern embroidered shirts most often they are clothes with a print. The main thing is the meaning of the pattern itself, applied to the clothes.
Belarus. Belaya Rus is a gentle and poetic name that suits this country in the best possible way. White means light, pure, innocent. Belarus is not characterized by bright colors of the Mediterranean. It does not possess the exoticism of Africa or the subtle cunning of the East. Belarus is a country of modest, one might even say intelligent beauty. This is one of the few places left on our planet where you can see an amazing miracle - a miracle of untouched nature. An amazing thing: it seems that here, in the very center of Europe, time has suddenly noticeably slowed down its run - around the raging 21st century, civilization is advancing by leaps and bounds, and in Belarus nature remains natural, people remain humane, and values remain eternal!
The Republic of Belarus as an independent sovereign state appeared on the geographical map quite recently - in 1991, and therefore for many it is still a kind of terra incognita, although it is located essentially in the center of the European continent. This is the land of blue lakes and green forests, meadows open to the sun and spacious fields, among which quiet calm rivers carry their waters.
Geography
The Republic of Belarus (Belarus) is located in the eastern part of Europe, in the Central European time zone: GMT + 2 hours. The territory of the state is 207.6 thousand square meters. km, it is compact. Its greatest length from west to east is 650 km, from north to south - 560 km. In the west, the country borders on Poland, in the northwest - on Lithuania and Latvia, in the northeast and east - on Russia, in the south - on Ukraine. The territory of Belarus is located at the intersection of the trans-European transport and communication corridors "West-East" and "North-South". Belarus consists of 6 regions, 118 districts, more than 100 cities, 111 urban-type settlements, over 24 thousand villages. The capital is the city of Minsk, covering an area of about 200 sq. km, with a population approaching 2 million people. The distance from Minsk to the capitals of neighboring states: Vilnius - 215 km, Riga - 470, Warsaw - 550, Kyiv - 580, Moscow - 700, Berlin - 1060 km. The official languages are Belarusian and Russian, the currency is the Belarusian ruble.
Time
Located in the Central European time zone: GMT + 2 hours. There is no difference with Kyiv time. When it's noon in Belarus, it's 11:00 in Paris, 10:00 in London, 5:00 in New York, 2:00 in Los Angeles, and 13:00 in Moscow.
Climate
The temperate continental climate of Belarus, formed under the influence of the air masses of the Atlantic, is characterized by rainy cool summers, mild winters with frequent thaws, and unstable weather in autumn and winter. The average temperature varies depending on the regions of Belarus. In July, the average temperature ranges from +17°C in the north to +18.5°C in the south. The average temperature in January ranges from -4.5°C in the southwest to -8°C in the northeast. For summer types of recreation, the favorable time period with an average daily temperature above 15°C increases in the direction from northeast to southwest - from 70-89 days in Poozerye, to 90-95 days in Central Belarus and 96-114 days in Polesie. The average daily water temperature in summer in all reservoirs exceeds 17°C, and in July - 19-22°C.
Language
State languages - Belarusian, Russian.
Religion
Main religions: Orthodoxy, Catholicism.
Population
About 80% of the population are Belarusians, 13.2% Russians, 4.1% Poles, 2.9% Ukrainians. Urban population 71.1%. 70% of believers are Orthodox Christians, about 20% are Catholics, the rest are Uniates and Jews.
Emergency Phones
Rescue Service - 101
Ambulance - 103
Police - 102
Connection
On the streets of cities you can see pay phones with booths of gray and blue colors. From the gray booths you can make a domestic call, and from the blue booths you can make an international call. All pay phones work with cards, which can be purchased at kiosks, shops and post offices. In order to call from Belarus to Russia, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 7 - area code - subscriber number. In order to call from Russia to Belarus, you need to dial 8 - 10 - 375 (Belarus code) - area code - subscriber number.
Currency exchange
Belarusian ruble (BYR or Br). In circulation there are denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000 rubles. US dollars, euros and Russian rubles are in use everywhere. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00-9.30 to 17.00-17.30. You can exchange currency at banks and exchange offices, and all exchange transactions must be accompanied by a special form confirming the legality of the exchange (all exchange receipts must be kept before leaving the country). Exchanging currency on the street or at private money changers is fraught with certain difficulties. Exchange rate: Belarusian ruble (BYR) / Ruble (RUB) 1 RUB = 90.39 BYR.
Visa
For citizens of Russia, entry into Belarus is visa-free. It is enough to present a passport at the border.
Customs regulations
Citizens of Russia entering the Republic of Belarus temporarily or for permanent residence are not subject to customs control. Those of them who transit through Belarus are obliged to present all transported items for customs clearance when crossing its border. You can import goods for personal needs worth up to $ 1,000 without duties. In the event that things are found to be intended for commercial or industrial purposes, customs duties must be paid. Without customs duty, you can import up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages and up to 600 pcs. cigarettes. Imported furniture is subject to a duty of 50% of its value. When importing vehicles with a service life of more than 3 years, a tax of 0.3 ECU per 1 cubic meter is levied. centimeter of engine volume; for a car with a service life of up to 3 years - 1 ECU.
It is forbidden to import weapons (without the permission of the relevant authorities of the Republic of Belarus), potent narcotic and poisonous substances, gold bullion, antiquities and art (without special permits). It is allowed to export without presenting permits an amount not exceeding the equivalent of $ 500. When exporting an amount over $ 500, but not exceeding $ 10,000, a document on the origin of the currency must be provided, for an amount over $ 10,000, it is necessary to have a document from authorized banks of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation.
Holidays and non-working days
January 1 - New Year
January 7 - Orthodox Christmas
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 15 - Constitution Day
March-May - Easter
May 1 - Labor Day
May 9 - Victory Day
May 14 - Radunitsa
July 3 - Independence Day
November 2 - Catholic Day of Remembrance (Day of Remembrance of the Ancestors) "Dzyady"
November 7 - Anniversary of the October Revolution
December 25 - Catholic Christmas
In January, the National Convention of Belarusian Composers (Minsk) and the International Classical Music Festival "January Musical Evenings" (Brest) are held, within which many concerts are held. At the end of April, the whole country celebrates Radunitsa - the Orthodox Day of Remembrance of the Ancestors, and the International Festival of Linguistics "Expolingua" is held in the capital. In June, the Poetry Festival on Lake Svityaz and the National Festival "Belarus is my song" are interesting.
July is the most eventful period in the Belarusian calendar. July 3 is Independence Day. July 4 is the day of the city of Minsk, accompanied by the folklore holiday "Belarusian Padvorki" and the military air holiday in honor of Independence Day. In mid-July, Ivan Kupala's holiday, the International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk", and at the end of July - the Belarusian rock festival "Basovishche" (Grudek, Poland) are held.
The festival of medieval culture "The Sword of Lutsk Castle" is held in early September in the castle of Lubart (Lutsk). In October, the International Theater Festival (Minsk) takes place, and in November - the Belarusian Musical Autumn (Minsk) - a festival of folk and classical music and dance. At the end of December, the Winter Festival of Arts "Christmas Fun" opens in the capital, and on December 21 - the famous Kolyada (Kalyady).
Transport
Minsk National Airport is the main air port of the Republic of Belarus. In terms of technical characteristics, it has no equal in the republic. Belavia is the national carrier of the Republic of Belarus. There are three ways to get to the city: by bus, which will cost you about 1 euro, by taxi (about 20 euros) or by rented car. Buses leave every hour from 7 am to 10:30 pm and arrive at the Minsk Central Bus Station, which is located next to the railway station building. Taxis are always available at the exit from the airport. The car rental office is located in the arrivals area. There are several bus stations in Minsk. Most international transportation is carried out from the Central Bus Station. The range of services offered by the Central Bus Station is limited due to its proximity to the railway station. Railway communication exists between Minsk and almost all major European capitals. Most Belarusian cities also have rail links. The new building of the Central Railway Station in Minsk offers a full range of services for passengers, most of the services are available around the clock and seven days a week.
Tips
Classic phrase: Tipping is optional, but welcome. Usually they are 10% of the invoice amount. In some hotels in Minsk and other large cities, up to 5-15% of the cost of living for service is added to the bill, while the tip is usually added to the bill as a separate line. If this is not done, it is recommended to give some amount (at your discretion) directly to the service personnel. Doormen and porters usually expect a tip of 1-2 USD, waiters will gladly take 5-10% of the bill for a tip.
The shops
Minskers practically do not use the word "shopping". For them, acquiring new products is still a strictly planned shopping trip. Shopping in Minsk, as an entertainment, can be afforded by very few people. The main centers where Minsk residents go for shopping are clothing markets. The most popular among them are: Dynamo, Zhdanovichi, Chervensky. For the majority of the Minsk population, this option for buying clothes and shoes is the most optimal. The assortment in the markets is quite monotonous and cheap. Clothes and shoes are usually made in China or Russia. Household appliances - well-known world brands, among which Korean LG and Samsung predominate. Traditionally, purchases are also made in the largest stores of the capital: TSUM, GUM, Belarus department store and Trading House on Nemiga. Recently, large shopping pavilions in the center of Minsk have been added to them: the shopping complex Zerkalo, Parking, the underground trading hall Kupalovsky. More recently, hypermarkets have appeared in Minsk. It is assumed that they will compete with trade in the markets. The organization of trade in hypermarkets in Minsk is the same as in their Western counterparts.
Second-hand (second-hand) - this option of cheap and relatively high-quality shopping is becoming more and more popular in Minsk. If you try, then in specialized stores you can find a branded item of good quality at an affordable price. Many are not embarrassed that the thing lives a second life.
The most inaccessible and mysterious way of shopping for residents of Minsk is shopping in boutiques. There are about twenty of them in the capital. It remains a mystery why they exist, since those who have money to buy expensive clothes from famous fashion designers prefer to buy newer and more fashionable clothes abroad, in Moscow or in Europe.
Shopping day in Minsk is Saturday. On this day, the majority of Minsk residents prefer to make serious purchases. For most residents of Minsk, 70% of the family budget goes to food, so a pair of boots or a sweater is considered a significant purchase.
National cuisine
The basis of modern Belarusian cuisine is the cuisine of the rural population of the eastern and western regions, which includes the most common and long-lived dishes of the urban population in Belarus, formed mainly under the influence of Polish cuisine, but received Belarusian processing. The main feature of Belarusian cuisine is the abundance of potato dishes. Moreover, potatoes are used mainly in grated form. Whole potatoes are consumed only in two forms - boiled in their uniforms (in Belarusian it is called salted potatoes, as they are eaten thickly sprinkled with salt) and stewed. Dishes from stewed potatoes are called stewed potatoes or smazheniki.
Mushrooms are only boiled and stewed, but Belarusian cuisine does not know dishes from fried mushrooms (just as it did not know pickling and pickling mushrooms until the beginning of the 20th century). As for dairy dishes, there are no purely dairy dishes in Belarusian cuisine, but various milk derivatives (cottage cheese, sour cream, whey, butter) are used as mandatory dishes that include flour, potatoes, vegetables or mushrooms.
The old Belarusian cuisine is also characterized by the salting of meat and poultry (geese) - the preparation of corned beef and curtains from them and the use of offal, especially dishes from the stomach, boiled udders. The use and preparation of meat in Belarusian cuisine also have a number of features. The use of lard, pork makes Belarusian cuisine related to Ukrainian. However, fat in Belarus is eaten almost exclusively in winter, lightly salted, always with a skin layer. They eat it with potatoes, as a bite, it plays the role of meat, as it were.
The favorite culinary methods of heat treatment in Belarus are baking, boiling, languishing, stewing. The main thing in traditional national Belarusian dishes is not the special composition of the products, but the very process of processing these products, the use of some very simple, ordinary and, moreover, one single product, for example, oats, rye flour, potatoes, subjected to a rather complex, always long and often combined cold and heat treatment.
Attractions
Bialowieza Forest- one of the most unique massifs not only in Europe, but also in the world. The forests of the Pushcha have survived to this day in their original form. The border between Belarus and Poland passes through Belovezhskaya Pushcha, which divides the Pushcha into equal parts. The forest area is distinguished by the merging of forests and the perimeter of the district line is about 400 km. The forests of the Pushcha are represented by a high-aged forest stand (80-200 years old), in some places - 250-350 years old. Individual trees that are 600 - 800 years old have been preserved. Forest cover - 88%. Forests are represented by pine, deciduous marsh, broad-leaved species. Since 1993 Belovezhskaya Pushcha acquired the status of a National Park. national park "Bialowieza Forest" is one of the unique tourist sites of the Republic of Belarus. This is the largest remnant of the plain relic primeval forest, which previously grew throughout Europe. In 1992, by decision of UNESCO, the National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" was included in the list of the World Heritage of Humanity. In 1993 he was awarded the status of a Biosphere Reserve, and in 1997 he was awarded the Diploma of the Council of Europe.
Nesvizh castle uncrowned kings of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Radziwillov- an architectural monument of the 16th-18th centuries - the original and the only one completely preserved in Europe, an example of the residence of magnates. Throughout its history, the castle was completed and updated. As a result, the architectural complex absorbed the features of the Renaissance, early and late Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau.
There are many exquisite churches and churches in Grodno. Here is the oldest church Belarus - Kolozhskaya built in the 12th century. The exquisite Farny (former Jesuit) church of 1705 impresses with the grandeur of the facade and the sculptural richness of the interior. The tour will continue with an inspection of the numerous monasteries of the city (Brigitte, Bernardinsky), the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, visiting rich Grodno museums and a stationary zoo. The tour also introduces the activities of the Grodno reformer Anthony Tyzengauz.
Mir Castle- an outstanding work of Belarusian architecture. The era of feudalism found a visible reflection in its architecture: behind powerful towers that could protect the owner from the enemy, there was a rich palace - the residence of the magnate. Made of stone and brick, located away from the settlement, surrounded on three sides by ditches and earthen ramparts with bastions, and on the fourth side by a covered pond, the castle, with its monumentality and impregnability, personified the strength and unlimited power of the feudal lord. The attraction of the castle is the tower. Their rich decor in the form of whitewashed niches and ornamental belts successfully contrasts with the red brick walls and gives the castle great artistic expression.
Slonim originated in the Shchara and has long played an important role in the history of Belarus. Zhirovichi Monastery, which is more than 500 years old, has a miraculous image of the Mother of God of Zhirovitskaya, is distinguished by expressive architecture and is famous for its rich historical past. You will visit temples, you will be able to bow to the miraculous icon... The guide from the Theological Seminary will tell you about the monastery, the seminary, and lead you to the Holy Spring. Not far from Zhirovichi there is a unique monument of Gothic architecture - church-fortress of the 16th century in Synkovichi.
national park "Braslav lakes" Belarus has long been called a lake land: there are 11 thousand lakes and more than 20 thousand rivers and streams in the country! Lakes are the eyes of Belarus, which is why they call it blue-eyed. The most precious pearl in the natural crown of Belarus is the Braslav Lakes National Park, which covers an area of 70,000 hectares. The local places are often compared with Switzerland or Finland, but they are absolutely original. The charm of the region is given by the constant change of landscapes - lakes, hills, forests and again numerous lakes.
national park "Narochansky"- the land is dear and dear to the heart of every Belarusian, even if he was not born in these parts. It is called the land of poets and warriors, romantics and pure-hearted people. You fall in love with this region at first sight and for the rest of your life. Tens of thousands of tourists and sightseers annually enjoy the surrounding landscapes, relax in health resorts and tents, use the gifts of nature, roam along ecological paths, breathe healing air ...
national park "Pripyatky". Polissya (south of Belarus) is an amazing land of lowlands and plains, forests and swamps, pierced by numerous rivers, streams and streams, slowly carrying their waters to the Pripyat and the Dnieper, which flows into the Black Sea. In the middle reaches of the Pripyat River, Pripyat Polissya is located. It is here, between the rivers Pripyat, Stviga and Ubort, that the Pripyatsky National Park is located.
Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve was founded on January 31, 1925. It is located in the north of the republic in the Belarusian Poozerye, on the territory of three administrative districts of Lepel, Dokshitsky, Vitebsk region and Borisov district, Minsk region. The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is the oldest in the system of protected natural areas in Europe, located 120 km from Minsk.
Holidays in Belarus: hotels Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, Mogilev regions; sanatoriums Gomel and Mogilev regions.
Resorts
Minsk - the capital of the Republic of Belarus and the center of the region and district of the same name is located on the Minsk Upland on both banks of the Svisloch River. The area of Minsk is 256 sq. km. The population is 1728.9 thousand people. Minsk is divided into 9 city districts, includes 1 urban-type settlement Sokol. Minsk has the status of the capital of the state, its charter, coat of arms and anthem. Minsk is a city with a fairly ancient history. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1067. In 1974, Minsk was awarded the title of Hero City, in commemoration of the merits of its inhabitants in the fight against fascism during the Second World War. At the moment, the executive committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the government and the parliament of the Republic of Belarus are located in Minsk. Minsk is known for its cultural component. There are 16 museums, including the National Art Museum, the Museum of the History and Culture of Belarus, the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. 11 theatres, including the State Russian Drama and Belarusian Academic Theatres, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre. In addition, there are 20 cinemas and 139 libraries in the city.
legendary city Bobruisk, the center of the Bobruisk district of the Mogilev region, with a population of more than 200 thousand inhabitants, is one of the ten largest cities in Belarus. In modern Bobruisk, historical buildings from the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved. But the main attraction of the city is still the famous fortress. Today, it was decided to give this fortification a second life, on the territory of the fortress, the construction of a modern Ice Palace of international level has begun, which will organically fit into the landscape of an architectural monument.
Gomel located in the eastern part of the country, 300 km from Minsk. It is the second largest city in the country and a major regional center. Gomel is included in the tourist route "Golden Ring of the Gomel Region", which will cover the most ancient cities of the region. At the end of the first millennium, a settlement arose in these places on the lands of the Radimichi, however, for the first time Gomel was mentioned in the annals of 1142 as the possession of the Chernigov prince. A unique cultural and historical monument of the 19th century - a palace and park ensemble, modern microdistricts, the ancient Gomeyuk River, which by the will of history became the Swan Pond in the old park, and the luxurious Sozh, carrying its full waters in. the mighty Dnieper, the largest industrial enterprises and the green coolness of city squares, the lace pedestrian bridge and the golden domes of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, announcing the birth of a new day with a bell ringing. All this is the city of Gomel, one of the most beautiful regional centers of Belarus. Among its architectural and historical sights are the vast palace and park ensemble of the Rumyantsevs-Paskevichs in the style of classicism, the wooden Ilyinsky Church of the late 18th century, interesting urban development of the 19th and early 20th centuries (educational institutions, banks, city council, residential buildings, etc.). ). Guests of the city will enjoy a walk through an old park with shady alleys, where centuries-old trees will tell them their secrets, a tour of the chapel-tomb and the "Hunting Lodge".
Rogachev- a medical resort located in the north of the Gomel region. The city is located at the confluence of the Dnieper and Drut rivers. It is one of the oldest settlements on the territory of modern Belarus. The total area of the Rogachevsky district is 2.1 thousand square meters. km. The population living in the area is 65.8 thousand people, of which 35 thousand people live in Rogachev itself. For a long time, Rogachev and its surroundings have been considered a resort area. Many residents of the republic are well acquainted with the sanatorium "Pridneprovsky", located 12 km east of the city. It is famous for its mineral springs, medicinal drink, peat and sapropelic mud. The sanatorium specializes in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and gynecological diseases.
Vitebsk- the cultural capital of Belarus and one of the oldest Belarusian cities. The administrative center of the Vitebsk region, located in the north-east of Belarus, 280 km from Minsk, 360 km from Vilnius, 550 km from Moscow and Kyiv and 800 km from Warsaw. Vitebsk arose at the confluence of two rivers - the Western Dvina, which flows into the Baltic Sea, and the Vitba, which gave the city its name. The official date of foundation of the city is 974. According to the Chronicle of the city of Vitebsk by M. Pantsirny and S. Averka, the city was founded by the Kievan princess Olga and has been mentioned in ancient Russian chronicles since 1021. The city was located at the crossroads of the ancient trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", which contributed to its formation by the end of XII in. center of crafts and trade. The main attraction of the city is the town hall (1597), the restored Church of the Annunciation, in which, according to legend, Alexander Nevsky was married, and also kept the standards of weight and length used in trade transactions. In addition, the restored Cathedral of the Intercession (1760) is of interest, as well as the Zdravnevo museum-estate of Ilya Repin and the house-museum of Marc Chagall.
Brest is one of the important cultural and historical centers of Belarus. The main tourist attraction of Brest is traditionally considered the memorial complex "Brest Fortress - Hero". In Brest, a number of buildings that are architectural monuments have been preserved: the massive Nicholas Cathedral (1856-1879), the railway station (1886, heavily rebuilt), the Nicholas brotherly church (1904-1906), the Cathedral of St. Simon (1865-1868), the Exaltation of the Cross Church ( 1856), etc.
An extremely diverse and rich architectural heritage Mogilev. Of particular value is the complex of the current Orthodox St. Nicholas Convent: St. Nicholas Church (1669-1672), Onufrievsky Church (1798) and a church residential building (XVII-XVII centuries). In addition, it is worth looking at the palace of Georgy Konissky (1762-1785), the Boriso-Gleb Church (1869), and the building of the former district court, the medical council and the archive of the Mogilev province (1770s), where one from the oldest local history museums in the country.
The Republic of Belarus (also common, but not officially Belarus) is an independent unitary state in Eastern Europe with a territory of 207.6 thousand km 2 and a population of 9.5 million in 2016. The capital and largest city is Minsk. Official languages: Belarusian and Russian, the head of state is the president.
Physical location
The area of the country is 207.6 thousand square kilometers, which is 86th in the world. This is one of the largest European states, it has no access to the sea. The north-west of the country borders on Lithuania, the west - on Poland, the north - on Latvia, the east - on the Russian Federation, the south - on Ukraine.
According to the statistics of 2016, the population of the country was 9.5 million people, the average density was 46 people per square kilometer, and most of the population lives on the territory of the country's largest agglomeration, the Minsk agglomeration. The largest cities are Minsk and Gomel. The country is inhabited by representatives of more than 130 nationalities, Belarusians make up 84% of the population, Russians - 8.3%, Poles - 3.1%; Ukrainians - 1.7%, etc.
Relief features
Most of the country is represented by plains, 200-300 meters high. Mostly in the central part there are groups of small hills, which have the common name of the Belarusian Ridge. Here is the highest point in Belarus, Mount Dzerzhinskaya (345 meters), located on the Minsk Upland.
Nature
Rivers
Belarus is extremely rich in water resources, on its territory there are more than 20 thousand rivers, with a total length of 90 thousand kilometers, the largest of them are the Dnieper with tributaries of the Pripyat, Sozh, Berezina, Western Dvina, Viliya, Goryn, Western Bug, Neman, united by a number of canals (Dnieper-Bugsky, Dnieper-Nemansky, Berezinsky) ...
lakes
There are more than 10 thousand lakes on the territory of the Republic (the largest of them are Naroch, with an area of 80 km 2 and Osveyskoe lake, its area is 53 km 2). wetlands in Europe...
The woods
The forest resources of Belarus occupy a key position among its natural resources, they occupy an area of more than 9 thousand hectares, which is 38.8% of the entire territory of the country. Most of the forests consist of coniferous trees, small-leaved species (birch, alder, aspen) make up 36.5%, hardwood species (oak) - 3.5%. Belarus is one of the leading European wood exporting countries in terms of a number of timber raw material indicators...
Plants and animals of Belarus
About 28 species of trees and more than 70 species of various shrubs grow in the forests of Belarus, the most common are birches, pines, spruces, oaks, aspens, more than 20% of the entire territory is occupied by meadows and pastures with herbs growing on them. More than 76 species of representatives of the order of mammals live on the plains and mountain heights, the most common of which are deer, wild boar, elk, wolf, and beaver. The vast expanses of the Polissya swamps have become a habitat for 300 species of birds, typical representatives of the avifauna in the swamps of Belarus are cranes, storks and herons. 63 species of fish were found in rivers and lakes. To preserve the populations of especially rare mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and insects listed in the Red Book of Belarus, special protected areas have been created, the most famous among them is the National Park and Biosphere Reserve "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", where relict trees are protected, the age of which reaches more than 500 years, and the bison population is being bred, which has long been destroyed by man in other countries...
Climate of Belarus
Belarus lies in a temperate climate zone, its western part is in transition from maritime to continental, formed under the influence of air masses blowing from the Atlantic. This causes periodic thaws in winter. The average temperature in July is +17, +19 0 C, in January -5, -8 0 C, the amount of precipitation will increase from south to north, in the south it is 500 mm, in the northwest - 800 mm, their maximum falls in autumn -winter season...
Resources
Natural resources
Belarus is rich in deposits of such minerals as potash and rock salt (Starobinskoe and Petrikovskoe deposits with billions of tons of salt). There are several dozen oil fields in the Gomel region, natural gas is also produced here in small quantities, a promising deposit of brown coal and oil shale has been discovered in the Pripyat valley. On the territory of Polissya there are large reserves of peat, there are more than 7 thousand peat bogs. Also on the territory of Belarus, ores of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, raw materials for the production of building materials are mined...
Minerals of Belarus
The main resources obtained on its territory for various industries are forests, peat deposits, small deposits of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, quartz sand, gravel, clay ...
Industry and agriculture of Belarus
The most developed sectors of industrial production in Belarus are mechanical engineering (automotive industry - MAZ, BelAZ, production of refrigeration units - ATLANT, TV sets - Horizont, Vityaz), metalworking, chemical and petrochemical industries, mining industry (potash and rock salt) , power industry, food and light, woodworking and forest industries. Agriculture occupies a very important place in the country's economy and provides almost 8% of GDP, it employs about 10% of the country's total labor population. Most of the agricultural products are produced by large farms, formerly collective farms and state farms, which receive millions of subsidies and support from the country's state.
In Belarus, both crop production and animal husbandry are equally well developed. The country ranks first among the CIS countries in terms of potato production per capita, meat and milk production, third place after Kazakhstan and Ukraine in grain harvesting...
culture
Peoples of Belarus: culture and traditions
The original and unique culture of the Belarusian people has a long history, it originates from the process of settlement of the Slavic tribes and their interaction with the Balts tribes who previously lived on these lands. Then the culture of the Radimichi, Krivichi and Dregovichi tribes that settled here was greatly influenced by the baptism of Rus' in 988 and their adoption of Christianity. One of the most ancient monuments of East Slavic architecture that has come down to us is the Transfiguration Cathedral, built by the architect John in 1161 in Polotsk. In those days when the territory of Belarus was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, a large number of castles and fortresses, Gothic churches and Catholic churches were created...
Such celebrities as the avant-garde artist Marc Chagall, the first female professor of mathematics Sofya Kovalevskaya, the Soviet front-line writer Vasil Bykov and others were born in Belarus and showed their genius talent to the world. All of them are an integral part of not only Belarusian, but also the entire world culture in in general.
The rich culture of Belarus - originality, variety of styles, forms, directions...
History of Belarusian culture
original artistic culture of Belarus formed over the centuries. Original architectural and art schools existed here, unique musical and literary works were created.
All that have survived to this day masterpieces of Belarusian art are under state protection. They are kept in the collections of the largest Belarusian museums, collections of libraries. The classics of Belarusian music and dramaturgy are demonstrated on the stage and in concert halls.
The modern cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and diverse. The country is passing many art exhibitions, music, theater and film festivals.
All this is interesting and accessible for both Belarusians and guests of the country.
Fine Arts of Belarus
Fine art of Belarus diverse in styles, trends and genres. The most interesting works of Belarusian painting and sculpture of various eras can be seen in the art museums of the country.
It has the largest collection of works of art. He actively promotes national art. Exhibitions of works by Belarusian artists are constantly held here.
Interesting collections of works of Belarusian art in the Vitebsk Art Museum, the Mogilev Regional Art Museum, the Polotsk Art Gallery.
In many regional centers of Belarus there are art galleries where you can see the work of local artists.
Music in Belarus
Contemporary musical art of Belarus seeks to preserve national traditions, while developing popular styles and trends in the world. The works of Belarusian composers, world classical and pop music are performed by both professional and amateur musicians.
The leading musical groups countries:
Presidential Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus
National Orchestra symphonic and pop music under the direction of M. Finberg
State Academic Symphony Orchestra
State Academic Choir named after G. Shirmy
National Academic Folk Choir of the Republic of Belarus named after. G.I. Tsitovich
vocal and instrumental ensemble "Syabry"
Belarus annually hosts festivals representing various directions and genres of musical art:
"Belarusian musical autumn"
"Minsk spring"
"Golden hit"
"Muses of Nyasvizh"
It has become a symbol of the festival movement in Belarus, in which popular artists from around the world take part.
Theater in Belarus
Belorussian professional theater developed from ancient folk rituals, the work of itinerant musicians, the court troupes of Belarusian magnates, the activities of amateur groups at the turn of the 19th–20th centuries. Currently, there are 28 state theaters in the country, a large number of amateur folk groups, including:
puppet theaters
drama theaters
musical theaters
The most famous theater of the republic is. His productions have won tremendous success both among domestic and foreign audiences.
Theatrical life in Belarus full of bright festival events. Permanent residence in different cities of the country received prestigious theater festivals which teams from all over the world come to. Among the most famous forums:
International Theater Festival "Belaya Vezha" (Brest)
International festival of theatrical art "Panorama" (Minsk)
International Festival of Student Theaters "Teatralny Kufar" (Minsk)
International Youth Theater Forum " [email protected] contact" (Mogilev)
International forum of theatrical art "TEART" (Minsk)
Belarusian International Puppet Theater Festival (Minsk)
Within the framework of the International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" there is a program "Theater Meetings" beloved by the public.
Cinema in Belarus
Cinema art in Belarus has been developing since the 30s of the twentieth century. In 1924, the Belarusian State Administration for Cinematography and Photography was established - Belgoskino. In 1928, a studio"Soviet Belarus", which produced feature, newsreel and popular science films. In 1939, the studio moved to Minsk, and since 1946 it has been called "Belarusfilm".
The first Belarusian feature film"Forest story" in 1926 was created by the director Yuri Tarich. During the Great Patriotic War Belarusian documentary filmmakers were among the first to film reports from the front.
The theme of the tragedy of the people became one of the main directors in the post-war work of Belarus. Domestic filmmakers occupied a special niche in children's cinema. The Belarusian Documentary film.
Modern Belarusian cinema continues the traditions of previous generations, looking for new ways of development. Domestic films win awards at prestigious film festivals around the world. Drama "In the Fog"(producer Sergey Loznitsa), filmed by an international team based on the story, at the 65th Cannes Film Festival in 2012 was awarded the Special Jury Prize of the International Federation of Film Press FIPRESCI.
Belarus is implementing many joint projects with filmmakers from around the world. Films by Nikita Mikhalkov, Pyotr and Valery Todorovsky, Dmitry Astrakhan, Alexander Sokurov were filmed at Belarusfilm.
The culture of any country can be considered not only as an indicator of self-consciousness and spiritual development of people. It is also the strongest instrument of ideological influence.
The culture of Belarus has gone through a complex and contradictory path from its inception to its current development. It was a path from almost complete illiteracy to great scientific discoveries and the creation of masterpieces of world-class literature and art.
The era of the Middle Ages
The culture of Belarus received a powerful impetus for its development after the appearance of Christianity on the territory of the country. It happened in the middle of the 9th century. The new religion radically changed the worldview of the people. Christianity contributed to the emergence of statehood in the form of Turov and Polotsk principalities.
During this period, a large number of new crafts and arts appeared on the territory of present-day Belarus. Castles, cities, temples began to be built. Churches and monasteries became a kind of cultural centers, in which chronicles were kept, schools were opened. This is where the books were written.
In the 11th c. St. Sophia Cathedral was built in Polotsk. The initiator of its construction was Prince Vseslav Charodey. In terms of its interior decoration, the cathedral was similar to the one in Constantinople.
Early 12th century marked by the construction of the Borisoglebsky Monastery. This building was located near Polotsk, in Belchitsy. The monastery was the first of its kind in the entire territory inhabited by the Eastern Slavs. For the first time, ceramic tiles and frescoes were used to decorate this temple.
The culture of Belarus was getting more and more developed. So, in 1161 the Transfiguration Cathedral was built. For him, by order made by Efrosinya Polotskaya, an unsurpassed object of applied art was made. The master jeweler Lazar from Polotsk created a unique cross overlaid with gold and silver plates and decorated with images of saints in the form of miniature multi-colored enamel. Already in Polotsk alone, there are 10 temple buildings erected in the 12th century.
literary heritage
The history of the culture of Belarus knows many personalities who played an important role in the development of the spiritual life of the country. One of these prominent figures is Cyril of Turov (born around 1130, but no later than 1182). He was a brilliant writer, a highly educated person and a well-known religious figure. Three of his teachings, thirty prayers, two canons and eight "Words" have survived to this day. For his outstanding skill in oratory, his contemporaries called him Chrysostom.
The national culture of Belarus cannot be described without mentioning Efrosinya of Polotsk. This is the granddaughter of Prince Vseslav Charodey. She was engaged in copying books, and later, after being tonsured as a nun, she created her own writings and annals. Then she became abbess in the Polotsk monastery of the Holy Savior. On her initiative, a monastery was built. Already at an advanced age, Efrosinya Polotskaya made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. There she died.
An invaluable contribution to the development of the culture of Belarus was made by a person who lived in the 12th century. Kliment Smolyatich. This outstanding figure created a large number of literary and church works. Unfortunately, they have not survived to our time.
Craft Development
Decorative and applied art has become widespread in Belarus. It developed under the influence of Byzantine traditions. However, the artisans of the country added local features to it. In the 11-12th centuries. in Belarus there were about sixty different types of crafts. Among them - jewelry, pottery, foundry, as well as artistic work on wood.
The high skill of artisans of those years is confirmed by the finds of archaeologists. So, in Grodno and Volkovysk, scientists discovered figurines made of stone and bone, as well as stone icons, the decoration of which is the finest carving.
Formation of writing
The first chronicles, the language of which carried the characteristic features of Old Belarusian, began to be created from the first half of the 13th century. Among such monuments of writing can be called a contractual letter of the Smolensk prince Mstislav and a letter of the Polotsk prince Izyaslav. Starting from the 14th century. Old Belarusian became the state language. It conducted all the office and office work in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Seimas held their meetings in this language. Laws were written on it.
Thus, we can say that the development of the culture of Belarus in the 9th-15th centuries. occurred simultaneously with the formation of statehood. It was expressed in the spread of education, enlightenment and literacy. In the same period, the formation of the main features of the Old Belarusian language took place, and outstanding figures of education appeared. Architecture also developed.
We can safely say that the folk culture of Belarus in the Middle Ages was the foundation for the further development of the spirituality of the people.
The development of the culture of Belarus in the 16th-18th centuries.
During this period, the ideas of the European Renaissance, Enlightenment and Reformation were especially strong in the world. It was they, as well as the socio-political and economic conditions of that period, that left their mark on the development of the culture of Belarus.
In this era, literature and education, science and art continued their successful development in the country.
Belarusian pioneer printer
An invaluable contribution to the development of books, literature and the national language was made by Francis Skorina. This humanist, educator and printing pioneer lived in the first half of the 16th century. Thanks to such an outstanding person, the Old Belarusian language underwent a reform and became richer.
In 1517, Francysk Skaryna published the book Psalter. Its text was written in Church Slavonic, taking into account the old Belarusian edition. From 1522 to 1525, the first printer published such books as "Apostle" and "Small Road Book". Thus, Skaryna can be considered a harbinger of the Enlightenment and the Renaissance in the Principality of Lithuania.
School reform
In the middle of the 18th century. in the Commonwealth there were big changes in the economic sphere. This led to the need to reform school education.
The first significant step was taken in 1740. It was at this time that one of the active figures of the Enlightenment, Stanislav Kanarsky, reorganized the education provided in schools under the monastic order of PR. Thanks to this great man, students from families of different classes began to be accepted here. Even peasant children attended schools. This training lasted six years and was completely free.
A deeper education reform was carried out in the 1770s. It was proposed by the famous cultural figure I. Khreptovich. Under his leadership, the first Ministry of Public Education in Europe was created. It was called the State Educational Commission. This institution was engaged in organizing inspections of secular teachers and opened 20 subdistrict and district schools throughout Belarus. In 1617, the Radziwills in Slutsk opened the first lyceum in all the East Slavic lands.
Development of science
The expansion of the education system contributed to an increase in the number of skilled craftsmen. In those days, a large number of various mechanisms and devices were created. One of the most prominent representatives of science of the 17th century. is Kazimir Semenovich. He became the designer and creator of the multi-stage rocket model. In addition, Semenovich invented many devices in the field of artillery and proto-rocket technology, including the Delta stabilizer.
A well-known figure in historical science is Albert Koyalovich. Among his works, a special place is occupied by the first printed study of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania "Study of Lithuania".
Development of art
The systemic renewal of the culture of Belarus has become the basis for the emergence of new types of professional and amateur dramaturgy. The first school theater that appeared on the territory of the country was a circle created in 1585 at the Polotsk Jesuit Collegium. In 1788, the first building for staging performances was built in the same city. In the 18th century On the territory of Belarus there were twenty-two school and twenty-six musical and drama theaters. From the middle of the 18th century. professional ballet was created and began to actively develop in the country.
The successful activity of theaters was accompanied by a significant rise in musical art. In the 18th century serf orchestras were widespread on the territory of Belarus, as well as chapels, of which there were about 30 by the end of the eighteenth century.
The city of Nesvizh was considered the center of musical art. It is here since the 15th century. there was a music school. In it, serf boys were taught to play the horn, flute and violin.
Many cultural figures of Belarus of that period made a great contribution to the musical art of other states. For example, thanks to the work of the teacher and composer I. Kozlovsky, a new stage of the pre-Glinka period was opened. Successful concerts of the Belarusian singer Ivan Kolenda were held in Moscow.
The development of the country's culture in the 19-20th centuries.
This period is characterized by many historical events. These are the Patriotic War of 1812, the First World War, the numerous uprisings that took place in 1794, 1830 and 1863, the revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the ongoing policy of Polonization and then Russification. Nevertheless, despite all the global changes in the public life of the people, the culture of Belarus has steadily continued its development.
Formation of art
The events of the political and social life of the country are reflected in the works of oral folk art. Belarusian literature also continued to develop. Ya. Borshchevsky, A. Ripinsky, Ya. Chechot and many others made an invaluable contribution to its formation. Among the outstanding literary monuments created in the first half of the 19th century, the anonymous poems "Taras on Parnassus" and "Aeneid upside down" stand out.
Vicent Dunin-Martinkevich is considered the first classic of Belarusian literature. His best work, created in the early 1960s, is The Pinsk Nobility.
Belarusian literature occupied a leading place in the culture of the country and at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the time when the talent of Z. Byaduli, Y. Kupala, M. Goretsky, Y. Kolas, E. Pashkevich (Aunt) and others manifested itself.
In the first half of the 19th century. theaters occupied a significant place in the culture of Belarus. Moreover, not only professional, but also amateur art developed. Theatrical life received its new development at the beginning of the 20th century. The Belarusian audience was given the opportunity to get acquainted with theatrical productions of the fraternal Slavic states.
In the first half of the 19th century. began to collect, and then publish Belarusian folk songs. Attempts were made to perform their concert and compositional adaptations.
The rise of culture was also observed in the field of architectural solutions. The centers of Belarusian cities were built up with houses for state and special purposes. Among such buildings of that time, one can single out the Cathedral of Peter and Paul, as well as the palace-estate of the Rumyantsev-Paskevichs in Gomel.
The Vilna specialized school had a significant influence on the development of painting. It had a department of fine arts. In just a quarter of a century, the school has trained more than 250 engravers, painters and sculptors.
A significant page in the history of the country's culture is occupied by the press. Before the revolution of 1905 fifteen government newspapers were published in the western provinces. After 1910, the first publishing houses appeared, such as Nasha Khata, Nasha Niva and others.
Since the 1920s, a large national-cultural construction began in the country. After the end of the Civil War in Belarus, theaters, higher educational institutions and many publishing houses resumed their work. Russian, Belarusian and Polish were declared state languages.
The formation of Soviet culture was accompanied by the elimination of illiteracy and illiteracy of the population. For this, numerous schools were opened. Mass illiteracy was defeated by 1939. In 1923, compulsory schooling was introduced in the country.
Accelerated industrialization required highly qualified personnel. That is why it was decided to open a number of higher educational institutions. By 1941 there were already 25 of them.
The first years after the October Revolution were especially fruitful for Belarusian literature. In 1923, the epoch-making poem "New Land" by Y. Kolas saw the light, and in 1925 - "Simon-Music". In the post-war period, the country's literature continued to develop. New talents appeared on her horizon, such as I. Melezh, Ya. Bryl, V. Bykov, I. Shamyakin, R. Borodulin, V. Korotkevich. An important place in their work was occupied by the theme of war.
In the Soviet period, theatrical and musical art continued its development, and cinematography took a big step into the masses.
Modern culture
In recent years, all the main components of national identity have been dynamically developing and receiving support from the state. On the Day of Culture of Belarus, which falls on the second Sunday of October, many music and film festivals, exhibitions and other events take place. However, we can say that the activity of the cultural life of the country does not fade away throughout the year.
The Ministry of Culture of Belarus has more than 7 thousand different organizations in its system. These are theaters and museums, club organizations and cinemas, libraries and circuses. There are three specialized institutions of higher education in the country, among which is the Institute of Culture of Belarus. The state supports the work of children's art schools, concert organizations and secondary educational institutions.
A number of important laws have been adopted in recent years. They are designed to regulate the relationship between the state and culture. One of them is the "Code of Culture". Belarus has also systematized the norms that regulate the activities of this sphere of society.
Every year about 60 republican, regional and international festivals are held in the country. The largest of them is the "Slavianski Bazaar" in Vitebsk.
December 17 can also be considered the Day of Belarusian Culture. This date marks the Day of Belarusian Cinema. This direction of art not only continues the traditions of previous generations, but is also constantly looking for new ways of development. Many joint projects have been implemented in the country. So, Alexander Sokurov, Nikita Mikhalkov and many other famous directors shot their films at the Belarusfilm studio.
