Country Information
Sovereign State | Yes |
Country Codes | BY, BLR, 112 |
Official Name | Republic of Belarus |
Continent | Europe |
Capital | Minsk |
Government Type | Presidential republic |
Currency | Belarusian ruble (BYN) |
Calling Code | +375 |
Member Of | United Nations, Commonwealth of Independent States |
Population | Approx. 9.4 million (as of 2023) |
Total Area | 207,600 square kilometers |
Highest Point | Dzyarzhynskaya Hara (346 meters or 1,135 feet) |
Lowest Point | Neman River (90 meters or 295 feet) |
GDP Per Capita | Approx. $6,700 (as of 2023) |
Life Expectancy | Approx. 74 years (as of 2023) |
Internet TLD | .by |
Belarusian National Anthem
My Belarusy
We, Belarusians, are peaceful people
Wholeheartedly devoted to our Motherland
We are faithful friends, and we live
In a beautiful land that’s free and open
Our strength comes from the unity of our people
From our fidelity to the Motherland
Together we are stronger in our age-old struggle
For the fortune of our Homeland
Our wisdom and valor passed down through generations
In a beautiful and free Belarus
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Belarusian Flag
The flag of Belarus, adopted on June 7, 1995, after a controversial referendum, is a symbol of the nation’s history and cultural heritage. The current flag design replaced the historic white-red-white flag used during brief periods of independence and democracy.
The flag features two horizontal stripes, red on the top and green on the bottom, with a distinctive red and white traditional Belarusian decorative pattern on the hoist side. The red color represents the past struggles for independence and the blood shed by the defenders of Belarus. The green symbolizes the future, hope, and the vast forests and fields of the country.
The decorative pattern on the left is a traditional Belarusian design, which has been used in local crafts and folk art for centuries. This pattern adds a unique cultural element to the flag, representing the rich cultural history and national identity of Belarus.
The current flag’s adoption followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union, marking a shift in the country’s identity and political orientation. The previous flag, used during the Soviet era and briefly after independence, featured the white-red-white design, which has become a symbol of opposition and democracy in modern Belarus.
The Belarusian flag has been a subject of political significance and controversy, representing different eras and ideologies in the country’s history. Today, it symbolizes the sovereignty of Belarus, reflecting both its Soviet past and its distinct national culture. The flag is a source of pride for many Belarusians and is prominently displayed in public spaces, at national events, and in international settings, representing the nation’s unity and identity.