The Republic I Live in

   I was born in Belarus and have lived here even since. I have always been interested in the history of my homeland.

   Though the history of Belarusian statehood goes back to ancient times, the world community has discovered this nation only recently. Belarus used to be one of the republics of the former USSR and wasn’t represented in the world as an independent political and economic formation. At present Republic of Belarus is a sovereign, independent state with its own government, constitution, state emblem, flag and anthem.

   Belarus is a member of the CIS (Community of Independent States) and one of the United Nations Organization founder members.

   It is believed that Belarusian history dates back to the 13^th century. But according to some written documents Belarusian statehood started to form as early as the 10^th century when Prince Rogvolod began his reign on Polotsk lands which are the historic and religious centre of the Belarusian nation and culture. The formation of the features of Belarusian people went on within the bounds of Kieskaya Rus.

   From the 13^th till the 16^th centuries the territory of contemporary Belarus was the centre of a medieval polyethmic state – the Grand Principality of Lithuania – which was one of the largest and most powerful states in Eastern Europe. Some significant evolutionary processes in the culture and economy of Belarusian people took place in the 15^th and 16^th century. There was a wide growth of old towns and the foundation of many new ones. In 1517 the Great Belarusian Scholar from Polotsk Doctor Francisk Scoryna published the Bible in the Belarusian language. In 1588 the Grand Principality Statute came out. This comprehensive code of laws that  stood above the local legal norms proves that the Grand Principality of Lithuania was a flourishing state with a high level of political and cultural development. In the 18^th century Belarus became part of Russia. Soon after the October revolution Belarus was declared the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic (01.01.19919). Belarus proclaimed its sovereignty on July 27, 1991.

   The country’s advantageous geographical position at the crossroads from east to west and from north to south often turned into a disadvantage. Belarus has been the area of many wars, invasion and aggressions. World War 11 brought the country innumerable losses. More than 2 million people died in the war. Numerous Belarusian villages and towns were burned to ashes. But Belarus has restored its cities and rebuilt its economy. Belarusian people value peace and want to live in good neighbor relations with all other nations. I pay tribute to our ancestors and believe that the country with such a unique history and rich cultural heritage will have a happy future. Of course a lot can be said about Belarus and its history, but I continue my story to a few words about its geographical features, industry, education and culture.

   Belarus is situated almost in the centre of Europe. It occupies the territory of over 200, 000 square km. and borders on Poland in the west, on Lithuania and Latvia in the north-west, on Russia in the east and on the Ukraine in the south.

   The climate of the country is moderately continental. The landscape of Belarus is very picturesque. It is a land of vast plains and green hills, big forests and meadows. The country is rich in water resources. There are thousands of lakes and rivers on the territory of Belarus. The biggest of the lakes is Lake Naroch. A third of Belarus is covered with forests. With its numerous rivers and lakes, forests and meadows Belarus is a unique formation with hundreds of remarkable species of plants and animals. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the biggest and the most beautiful national park of the country.

   Nowadays Belarus is a country of developed industry, education and culture. Its biggest enterprises produce tractors and lorries, refrigerators and TV-set, watches and bicycles. It exports potassium salt, tractors, electronic equipment and products of light industry.

   The country has more than 30 higher educational establishments. There are about 30 professional theatres which stage plays by national and foreign playwrights.

   The official languages of the country are the Belarusian language and the Russian language.

   Over the recent years the country has faced serious economic problems. The calls for radical reform have come more intense. Our parliament and the government are taking great efforts to improve the situation.