The Republic of Belarus (Belarus) is located in the Eastern part of Europe. In the West it borders on Poland, in the North - West - Lithuania, in the North - Latvia, in the North - East and East - Russia, in the South - Ukraine. Belarus is divided into six regions (oblast): Brest oblast, Vitebsk oblast, Gomel oblast, Grodno oblast, Minsk oblast and Mogilev oblast. The capital of Belarus is the city of Minsk, which is the biggest political, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country. The population of Minsk is 1.729 million people. The official languages are Belarusian and Russian. The currency is Belarusian ruble (BYR).

Area: 207.600 square kilometers
Population: 10.3 mln people
Capital city: Minsk. There are about 2 mln inhabitants in Minsk
Language/Script: Belarussian, Russian/Cyrillic
Religions: Orthodox. Other: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islamic, Jewish.
Political System: The President - the Head of the State; The Executive - executes, determines economic and socio - political situation in Belarus; The Councel of Ministers; The Prime - Minister; The Lagislative - creates laws, adopts decisions; The Parliament - the House of Representatives and the Soviet of the Republic; The Constitutional Court - settle disputes, conflicts.
Terrain: Predominantly flat, with hilly areas occupying only 8 % of its territory. The highest point is 346 m above sea level.
Climate: Moderately continental
Time Zone: GMT+2 hrs.
Entry Formalities: A valid passport and an entry visa are required for most countries
Customs regulations: No limitation in bringing the foreign currency in Belarus. Usual European rules for duty-free imprts are valid.
Business Hours: Shops are open from 9 a.m till 7 p.m. on working days and Saturday from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. The biggest shops work on Sunday, too (from 11a.m. till 5 p.m.). Currency exchange offices are open from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. and round the clock at some hotels. Government office hours are from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. on working days.
Currency: The Belarussian rubles, no coins, notes: 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 20 000, 50 000, 100 000
Electricity: AC220 V, 50 Hz
Driving: On the right side. Radar speeding control. Children up to 12 years of age must sit on the back seat. Seat bealth compulsory. Unleaded fuel is on most station. Speed limits (km/hr): motorways - 100, roads - 90, habitable areas and cities - 60. Alcohol is prohibited. National or international driver`s licence are valid.
Credit Cards: At most hotels and restaurants, at some shops VISA and MASTER CARD are welcome.
How To Get In Belarus: By air - some European airlines have regular flights to Belarus. The national company - Belavia (Belarussian airlines). By rail - direct international express and intercity trains operate between Belarus and some European countries. By road - good road connections exist with the Ukraine, the Baltic States, Poland and Russia.
International Airport: Minsk
National Parks: Belavezhskaya Pushcha; Berezinski and Pripyatski natural reserves.
Major Cities:
Minsk 1.8 mln people
Gomel 560 000 people
Vitebsk 380 000 people
Moguilev 350 000 people
Brest 350 000 people
Grodno 290 000 people
Public Holidays: January 1, Orthodox Xmas, March 8, March 15, Catholic and Orthodox Easter Mondays, May 1, May 9, July 3, November 2, November 7, Catholic Xmas.