Belarus is an Eastern European country with a complex political landscape and significant historical context. Key Details: - Geographic Location: Eastern Europe, bordered by [[Russia]] to the east, Ukraine to the south, [[Poland]] to the west, and [[Lithuania]] and [[Latvia]] to the northwest - Capital: Minsk - Population: Approximately 9.4 million - Official Languages: Belarusian and Russian - Government: Authoritarian presidential republic - Not a member of the European Union Notable Characteristics: 1. Historical Context: - Gained independence from Soviet Union in 1991 - Has maintained a more centralized economic model compared to other former Soviet states 2. Economy: - Predominantly state-controlled economic model - Major industries include manufacturing, agriculture, and heavy machinery 3. Cultural Highlights: - Rich cultural heritage blending Slavic traditions - Strong literary and artistic traditions - Significant influence from both Russian and Ukrainian cultural elements - Known for traditional crafts like weaving and woodcarving