Belarus: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Belarus

Belarus is a landlocked country in eastern Europe. Its land is mostly flat, with large forests, marshes and thousands of lakes. It is known for its old-growth forests and historic castles.

About Minsk

Minsk stands on the Svislach River and is the largest city in Belarus. It is known for its broad avenues, wide squares and grand post-war buildings.

Fun facts about Belarus

1. Belarus has thousands of lakes, and the largest, Lake Narach, covers about 80 square kilometres.
2. The highest point in Belarus, Dzyarzhynskaya Hara, is only about 345 metres above sea level.
3. Białowieża Forest, shared with Poland, is home to hundreds of European bison, Europe's heaviest land animal.
4. Białowieża Forest is one of the last remaining parts of the huge ancient forest that once covered much of Europe.
5. Mir Castle and the Radziwiłł family palace at Nesvizh are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
6. Forests cover around 40 per cent of Belarus, making woodland one of its main landscapes.