Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Its landscape is largely flat, with extensive forests, rivers, and marshlands, including part of the historic Polesia region. The capital and largest city is Minsk, which serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Historically, Belarus was influenced by various powers, including the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Russian Empire, before becoming part of the Soviet Union in the 20th century.
Belarus gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then, it has maintained close political and economic ties with Russia. The country has a state-controlled economy with key industries in manufacturing, machinery, and agriculture. Belarus has faced international attention and criticism regarding its political system and human rights record. Despite these challenges, it remains an important country in Eastern Europe due to its strategic location and regional alliances.
