Fun facts about Belarus

1. The land in Belarus is mostly flat or hilly with about 40% covered in forests.
2. The first signs of settlements in ancient Belarus date back approximately 100,000 to 35,000 years ago.
3. Belarus became independent on December 26th, 1991. It celebrates its independence day on the 3rd of July.
4. Belarus experiences hot summers and long, cold winters.
5. The Belarusian economy is mainly dependent on the agriculture and manufacturing industries.
6. Belarus is home to a variety of wildlife, including elks, deer, wild boars and wolves.
7. Dzyarzhynskaya Hara is the highest point in Belarus at 345 meters (1,130 ft) above sea level.
8. There are 5 national parks in Belarus to protect rare species of plants and animals.
9. Belarus has a prime minister who is appointed by the president.
10. It is interesting to note that Alexander Lukashenko has served as the president of the country since his election in 1994
11. Belarus produces agricultural products such as potatoes, sugar beets, flax, grain, beef and milk.
12. The country is heavily dependent on subsidized Russian energy.
13. Simon Kuznets became the first Belarusian to win a Nobel Prize.
14. Bialoweza Forest in Belarus is home to 800 European bisons, Europe's heaviest land animal.
15. The Belarusian ruble is the form of currency in Belarus.
16. Russian and Belarusian are spoken equally in Belarus. These languages are very similar.
17. Russia is the largest political and economic partner of Belarus.
18. Popular sports include Athletics, football, gymnastics, skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, tennis, fencing, wrestling, volleyball.
19. Belarusians often spend time collecting mushrooms.
20. Minsk is a green city with more than 844,000 trees and an area of 72,766 square meter.
21. 54 bridges traverse the Svisloch River, which runs through Minsk.
22. Hearty foods like red meat, potatoes and mushrooms are popular in Belarus.
23. The city of Minsk has also been given the title of a hero city for its ability to make a comeback every time it's been devastated.
24. The game World of Tanks, and the famous Viber App originated from Belarus.
25. Belarus has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
26. Independence Avenue in Minsk is the longest street (15 km) in Belarus.
27. Black tea and coffee are favourite drinks.
28. The Bialoweza Forest in Belarus is Europe's largest and oldest forest.
29. About 45% of the country is covered by forest land.
30. Belarus also has the distinction of printing one of the first-ever bibles. This was done in 1517 in Prague.