Belarus

Republic of Belarus

Capital

Minsk

Official language (s)

Belarusian
Russian 

Area

207.595 km²

Population

9.503.807

Ethnic groups

83,7% - Belarusians
8,3% - Russians
3,1% - Poles
1,7% - Ukrainians
4,2% - others and unspecified  

Major cities
(with population)

Minsk - 1.834.200
Gomel (Homiel) - 484.300
Mogilev (Mahilyow) - 354.000
Vitebsk (Vitsyebsk) - 348.800
Grodno (Hrodna) - 328.000
Brest - 310.800 

Currency (-ies)

Belarusian ruble (BYR), subdivided into 100 kopecks (kapeyka) 

Main religion

82% - Orthodox Christian
15% - Roman Catholic  

Time zone (s)

GTM + 03 

Dialing code

+375 

Climate

Belarus has a moderately continental climate that is influenced by the Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The summers are warm and winters are cold while the average annual precipitation ranges 546 mm (21,5 in) to 693 mm (27,3 in). Average temperature ranges are from 17,5°C (63,5°F) in July to -7°C (20°F) in January. 

Administrative division

Belarus is divided into six regions which are named after the cities that serve as their administrative centers. Regions are further subdivided into raions, commonly translated as districts or regions . The city of Minsk is split into nine districts and enjoys special status as the nation's capital.  

Major airports

Minsk: Minsk International Airport (MSQ)
Gomel: Gomel Airport (GME)
Mogilev: Mogilev Airport (MVQ)
Grodno: Hrodna Airport (GNA)