The Republic of Belarus

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Never heard of Belarus? Now is a very good time to learn more. Belarus will likely be the object of increasing international attention in 2005 and 2006.

Belarus is located in the center of Europe, bordered by Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. For about 70 years, Belarus was a republic of the USSR; in 1991 it gained its independence. The country maintains close political and economic ties to Russia.

The Chernobyl nuclear power station is located in northern Ukraine, just miles from the border with Belarus. Most people associate the Chernobyl accident with Ukraine, but consider this: When reactor number 4 exploded on 26 April 1986, the direction of wind carried much of the radiation -- an estimated 70% -- to Belarus. Most of the existing US organizations that provide aid and development in the wake of the disaster focus on Ukraine. Since its founding in Ireland 12 years ago, CCPI has centered its activities in Belarus.

Belarus was the object of new focus recently when the OSCE and the United States criticized their October 2004 Parliamentary elections and a referendum to extend the term limits of President Aleksandr Lukashenka. The referendum was passed, but many international critics insisted the results were fraudulent -- an accusation denied by the government of Belarus. On 20 October, President George W. Bush signed into law the Belarus Democracy Act of 2004 -- you can find the full text on the Library of Congress web site...

In December 2004, the eyes of the world focused on the election in Ukraine. With the change in government of their neighboring country in the spotlight, Belarus will likely receive new international consideration in the coming year. In spring 2006, President Lukashenka will run for re-election. And, the world will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Quick Facts

Area:  207,600 square kilometers. Belarus is slightly smaller than either Great Britain or the state of Kansas.

Population: 10 million

Capital: Minsk (home of 1/5 of the Belarusian population)

State languages: Russian and Belarusian


Interesting Sources of Information

* The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus. News from the government of Belarus and a sign up for a weekly email newsletter.

* Embassy of the United States/Minsk

* CIA Factbook/Belarus: At a glance look at the vital statistics of Belarus.

* Belarus Guide: An enjoyable and informative source of information about everything Belarus -- culture, history, travel, politics, business, politics and more. The site is maintained by Belarusian volunteers from around the world.

* Belarus Telegraph Agency: The official state –run news service of Belarus.

* Cafe Babel: Independent view points on news from Europe.

* The North American Association for Belarusian Studies: The links page is excellent and comprehensive.