Belarus is located in Eastern Europe, and its capital is Minsk. It has a population of approximately 9,132,629 and covers an area of about 207,629 km². Its official currency is the Belarusian ruble (BYN).
What stands out
People & place
44 /km² across 207,629 km²
Belarus has a recorded population of 9,132,629 and a reported surface area of 207,629 km².
Economic snapshot
$75.96 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $75.96 billion and GDP per capita at $8,318 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Belarus, known as the "Lungs of Europe," is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe that captivates with its serene landscapes, resilient spirit, and warm hospitality, offering travelers a glimpse into a country where tradition and modernity gently intertwine.
Dominated by the vast East European Plain, Belarus boasts rolling hills, dense forests covering roughly 40% of its territory, and a network of pristine lakes and rivers, including the mighty Dnieper and Neman. The country’s famed Polesie Marshes create an extensive wetland ecosystem, while the Belarusian Ridge adds modest elevation to the otherwise gentle terrain.
Belarusian culture is a vibrant tapestry of folk music, intricate embroidery, and hearty cuisine. Traditional dishes such as borscht, draniki (potato pancakes), and kletski (dumplings) reflect the agrarian roots of the nation, while festivals like Kupalle and the Slavianski Bazaar showcase lively dance, songs, and the iconic red‑and‑white folk costumes that celebrate the country’s Slavic heritage.
A pivotal moment came in 1991 when Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union, ending decades of Soviet rule and ushering in a new era of self‑governance that continues to shape its political, economic, and cultural landscape.
Key facts
Belarus has one of the highest forest coverage rates in Europe, with about 40% of its land covered by woods.
Its population is approximately 9.5 million people, spread across an area of 207,600 km².
The UNESCO‑listed Mir Castle Complex, a 16th‑century fortification, is a symbol of Belarusian architectural heritage.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Belarus has a recorded population of approximately 9,132,629 people.
How big is Belarus?
Belarus covers an area of about 207,629 km².
What is the population density of Belarus?
Belarus has a population density of roughly 44 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Belarus?
Belarus has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $75.96 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Belarus?
Belarus has a GDP per capita of approximately $8,318.
What currency is used in Belarus?
Belarus uses the Belarusian ruble (BYN), with the symbol Br.
Where is Belarus located?
Belarus is located in Eastern Europe, Europe.
What is the native name of Belarus?
The native name of Belarus is Белару́сь.
What are people from Belarus called?
People from Belarus are referred to as Belarusian.
What is the phone calling code for Belarus?
The international dialing code for Belarus is +375.
What is the internet domain for Belarus?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Belarus is .by.
What time zone is Belarus in?
Belarus uses the Europe/Minsk time zone.
What is Belarus known for?
Belarus, known as the "Lungs of Europe," is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe that captivates with its serene landscapes, resilient spirit, and warm hospitality, offering travelers a glimpse into a country where tradition and modernity gently intertwine.
Eastern Europe