Did You Know

Interesting Facts about Belarus

Trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits about Belarus.

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Did You Know?

20 curious facts about Belarus.

The literal translation of Belarus is “White Russia,” after the ancient term “Belaya Rus.” The “white” may refer to the beauty of the birch forests or to the snow that blankets the earth every year. Another explanation is that in ancient times the word “white” meant free, in the sense of free from conquering invaders.
Belarus is the country's name in the Belarusian language. During the Soviet era, the area was known as Byelorussia, which is the same word, but in the Russian language.
The Belovezhskaya Forest Nature Reserve is home to the European bison (or wisent), a relative of the American buffalo. This creature is often depicted in prehistoric wall paintings found all over Europe. It survives only in the reserve.
The period from the 16th to the 18th century is considered the golden age of Belarusian culture.

Traditionally, the grandmother of a newborn was taken to friends to spread news of the child's christening. Men fired their guns into the air. At the family home, the grandmother would serve guests babina kasha, a traditional porridge.
Following the nuclear explosion at Chernobyl, many people had to be evacuated from contaminated areas. This has caused housing shortages in the uncontaminated areas.
Belarus is the third largest producer of tractors in the world.
Although some industries have been privatized, about 60% of Belarus's workforce of more than 5 million is still employed in state-controlled industries.
A number of Belarusians play on the international tennis circuit. Vladimir Voltchkov won the 1996 Junior Wimbledon. Natasha Zvereva has won several doubles titles with various partners.
Some Belarusians treat colds by drinking vodka spiked with salt and pepper, or milk with an egg yolk and honey.