Belarus. Topic for Conversation #4 / #20

Belarus

1. What do you know about the history of Belarus?

The Republic of Belarus is a young independent country with old traditions. It owes its name to the home-woven flax and wool-cloth of a white color, out of which Belarusians used to make clothing. The evolution of Belarusians as a people assimilated several Slavic tribes that were ethnically close to each other. Belarus exhibited some elements of statehood in Polotsk and Turov principalities, and as part of the USSR as well. In fact, it was as a result of the break-up of the Soviet Union that the Republic of Belarus emerged as a sovereign state.

In July 1990 the Supreme Soviet of the BSSR adopted a Declaration of Independence. Following the failed military coup in Moscow in August 1991, the declaration became a Constitutional Law. After the signing of the CIS accords in Belavezhskaya Pushcha in 1991, Belarus became independent de facto.

In Soviet times Belarus was one of the most developed republics of the USSR. A relatively modern manufacturing industry had been built. Belarus had a well developed agricultural sector and extremely high scientific potential. But with the break-up of the Soviet Union the country lost its status. Belarus had acquired freedom and independence in exchange for problems that affected all parts of social life. Today the country is living through the transitional period. Unlike Russia and Poland, where liberal views were quickly accepted by the new political elites, the ideas of economic liberalism have very little representation in this country. But I am sure that the country has enough potential in this country. But I am sure that the country has enough potential to overcome the current difficulties.

One can be pretty sure of that because Belarus has a favorable geo-political position. Belarus occupies the territory of 207 thousand square kilometers. Its territory is compact, and extends 560 kilometers vertically and 650 kilometers horizontally. The country borders on a number of countries and there are no natural barriers on these borders. This is a favorable factor for developing international transport and trade. For example, the country’s territory is crossed by one of Europe’s main highways. Such a position partly explains the fact that the Republic of Belarus values friendship with its neighbors and does everything possible to reinforce peace and cooperation along its borders. In 1996, for instance, Belarus successfully disposed of all nuclear weapons from its territory.

The development of any country largely depends on its natural conditions and resources. The natural conditions of Belarus are generally favorable. The surface is flat, with some hills, and maximum elevation is only about 350 meters. Such relief is favorable for human settlement, agricultural and industrial development. As far as I remember, 45 per cent of the country’s total area is occupied by agricultural land, 40 per cent by forest and other wooded areas. But recently the size of agricultural land has decreased. The quality of agricultural land has also been severely affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Speaking about mineral resources, one should say that about 30 types of them have been discovered in Belarus. The most important of them are potassium salts, the reserves of which are practically unlimited. Commercial oil reserves in deposits exceed 2 billion tons. Belarus is rich in non-ore minerals such as granite, dolomite, limestone, chalk and gravel materials/ Mineral springs are widespread, and also offer business opportunities for companies involved in the bottling and exporting of mineral water.

Belarus has to depend on imported energy resources. The country’s own energy resources, including side gas and firewood, cover only about 12 per cent of its total energy needs. Today the territory of Belarus is being searched for metal ores. It is not impossible that deposits of amber, titanium, copper ores, mercury, and rare earth metals may be discovered.

Belarus is a beautiful country. Its rivers and lakes add to the charm of its scenery. In fact, there are more than 11 thousand lakes and 3 thousand rivers longer than 5 kilometers. The largest lake in Belarus is Lake Naroch, with a surface area of 80 square kilometers. The flora of the country is rich and diverse. It has more than 100 tree species and almost 1400 species of herbs. The animal kingdom includes more than 70 species of mammals and about 300 species of birds. More than 20 per cent of Belarusian territory has been exposed to radioactive contamination. It has had a harmful impact on the environment. The environmental situation is also threatening around the town of Soligorsk, as well as in other industrial cities. I believe that the protection of the environment should be treated as a problem of everybody’s concern in this country.

I haven’t had a chance to travel around this country much. But I know that the Belarus may become a major tourist attraction in Europe. There are many sights to see, and there are plenty of opportunities to expand tourist business. Perhaps in the future, with my knowledge of foreign languages, I would contribute to this area of activity. Practically every city in Belarus has something to offer in terms of historic sights or cultural heritage. For example, I come from the city of Baranovichi, 140 km away from Minsk. Though a young city, Baranovichi has an interesting background. If you are interested, I can tell you some words about my native place. (…) I like Minsk very much too. Its history reflects the country’s difficult past. Let me tell you a couple of words about Minsk. (….)

2. Do you know any symbols of our country?

3. What English filmmakers will you invite to the "Listapad" festival? What questions will you ask them if you have this opportunity?

4. What Bealrusian festivals can you advise a foreigner to take part in?

5. Young people gather to make the world better. What do you rhink young people of Belarus can do to make their country more attractive to foreign tourists?


A lot of information you can read here http://visit-belarus.com/en/home/