Belarus: arrival and transport How to get to Belarus Belarus International Airport is located in Minsk. Scheduled flights there are offered by Lufthansa and Austrian…
Tag: Belarus
Landlocked in Eastern Europe, Belarus has a complex history shaped by its strategic location at the crossroads of various cultural and political influences. Originally part of medieval East Slavic statehood, it fell under Mongol domination in the 13th century and later became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Union of Lublin in 1569 joined Belarus with the Kingdom of Poland, and it later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The region endured conflicts and partitions, leading to Russian rule in the late 18th century. Belarus suffered significant devastation during World War II, with Nazi occupation resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Post-war, Belarus became a Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 had a profound impact on the country, contaminating large areas and affecting public health. Belarus declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. President Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has maintained a centralized and authoritarian rule, suppressing political opposition and limiting civil liberties. The country has faced economic challenges, relying heavily on state-controlled industries and Russian support. Recent years have seen political turmoil, particularly in the wake of the disputed 2020 presidential election, which sparked widespread protests and international scrutiny. Belarus’s geopolitical position and historical ties with Russia continue to influence its political landscape, economic policies, and diplomatic relations, as it navigates the complexities of balancing its historical legacy with aspirations for political pluralism and economic development in the 21st century. See globalsciencellc for Belarus Recent History.