Belarus is a small state in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet republic. When tourists first come to this country, they admire the cleanliness of the streets, the richness of rivers and lakes. The lungs of Europe - this is what Belarus was called because of the many forests that cover most of the country, and the abundance of swamps in Polesie.
Six areas and the capital
Today, the country's territory is divided into six regions. The centers of the regions of Belarus are the capital Minsk and large cities Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev.
The capital of Belarus is not only the center of the Minsk region, but also a city with republican subordination. A fifth of the total population of the republic lives in Minsk. In 2017, the city celebrated a big anniversary - 950 years. So many years ago it was first mentioned in the annals.
Choosing which region of Belarus to go to? Then we offer a small virtual tour of the regions of the republic.
Second capital
The cultural, festival, northern capital is all about Vitebsk, the main city of the northernmost of all regions of Belarus. For many years, in July, spectators and artists come here and flock. In the city above Zapadnaya Dvina, the famous international festival is held - the city’s business card, "Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk." The main venue - the Summer Amphitheater - is well known to all Belarusians and guests.
And Vitebsk is famous for its art school. This city presented the world to Casimir Malevich, Marc Chagall.
In the northern region are the ancient Polotsk, from where the Belarusian statehood went, and Orsha, where the first Belarusian primer was printed. In Orsha, be sure to buy products from Belarusian silk - they are produced at the Orsha Flax Mill, the largest enterprise of its kind in Europe.
Down the Dnieper
From Orsha it was once possible to get to Mogilev by the waterway. Among other regions of Belarus, this region is famous for the fact that President Alexander Lukashenko was born here.
Mogilev almost became the capital of the republic. They wanted to move her here during the Great Patriotic War. The leaders of the Soviet republic were inclined to such a decision, because Minsk was in ruins. But after the city was rebuilt, and his status remained the same.
In the south of the republic is a unique region - Belarusian Polesie. This is the land of swamps, forests and rivers. The locals - Poleshuk - have an unusual language that is not always understood by other Belarusians, and have amazing traditions.
Heading West
In two regions of Belarus - the Brest and Grodno regions - the famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha is spread. In this unique reserve, a black stork, a white-tailed eagle nest, you can meet other animals and plants from the Red Book.
Here is the New Year all year round. In Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the estate of the Belarusian Grandfather Frost. The famous "Viskuly" decided the fate of the former USSR.