Uncategorised
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08 May 2024
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Belarus
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia to the north and east, Poland to the west, Ukraine to the south and Lithuania and Latvia to the Northwest. Over 40% of this isolated country is forestation, making it home to picturesque country-sides, lush vegetation, and wildlife such as Europe's largest mammal, the Zubr (European bison). The capital city of Belarus is Minsk.
Belarus has more temperate climates featuring hot summers, cold, long winters, and very distinct seasons. There is abundant snowfall lasting as long as December to March sometimes. Belarus also has two other short, intermediate seasons. Winter in Belarus is however milder than it is in many other European countries.
Belarus is 84% Belarusian and features other ethnicities in the minority such as Russian, Ukrainian and Jewish. The Belarusian culture exhibits folk music/dances and traditional crafts like weaving, glass blowing and wood working. The country traditionally practices Orthodox Christianity but there are several Roman Catholics as well.
Belarusian cuisine shares a lot of similarities with Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish foods, being a Slavic country as well. Belarusian foods feature potatoes, milk, vegetables/greens and meat. Their most popular dish is "draniki", a kind of potatoe pancake usually eaten with sour cream or bacon.
Some fascinating locations in Belarus are:
- Chalk pits: The Chalk Quarries displays beautiful, serene landscapes and water with unusual colours courtesy of the "chalk" beneath. The water is usually azure turquoise or emerald green.
- Ski Resorts: Although Belarus has no natural mountains, it has a number of high hills where people go to ski. Some popular ski resorts are Silichi Ski Resort, Logoisk Ski Sports and Fitness Complex, and Solnechnaya Dolina.
- Naroch National Park: This reserve houses the largest lake in the country. Its shores are doted with recreational centres, hotels, restaurants.
- Nesveh Castle: This palace-like castle and park complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by beautiful water and its architecture features styles such as Rococo, Renaissance, Neo Gothic, etc.
Some popular festivals to be witnessed in Belarus are the Bison Race in Logoisk which takes place from October 12th to 14th and Teart (the festival of theatrical art) which holds from September to October in Minsk theatres. Another festival is the Japanese Autumn which takes place from September 20th to November 29th.
Accommodation in Belarus ranges from budget to luxury hotels.
