Minsk, Belarus

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence

in 1991. Belarus has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics.

Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Alexander Lukashenko has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion continue.

The city of Minsk Belarus was first mentioned in 1067, and by the early 12th century it had become the centre of an independent principality. In 1326 Lithuania gained control of the city of Minsk. When Lithuania and Poland joined forces in 1569, Minsk came under Polish rule.

Minsk was annexed by Russia as a result of the second partition of Poland (1793) and became the capital of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1919. During the Second World War, Minsk Belarus was occupied by German forces from 1941 to 1944 and suffered great damage. During German occupation, much of Minsk 's large Jewish population was exterminated by the Nazis.

Eastern and Western Belarus was reunited in 1939. The Belarusian Republic was admitted as a founding member of the United Nations in 1946. The ruined city of Minsk Belarus was rebuilt as the show-place capital of the modern Republic and after long years spent in Soviet Union, Minsk became the capital of independent Belarus in 1991.

Voblasts Minsk including the city of Minsk occupies area of 40,800 square kilometers and has more then 3 millions inhabitants.

Minsk Belarus Travel Pictures

Minsk Belarus - Travel Picture

Minsk, Belarus

Minsk Belarus Travel Pictures