| Location
Belarus is landlocked,
surrounded by Russian (to the east), Ukraine (to to the south), Poland
(to the west), Lithuania, and Latvia. It's
area is 207,600 sq. km (80,154 sq. miles), which is about the size of
Victoria (in Australia) or Kansas (in USA).
Capital
Minsk is Belarus' capital city consisting of approx. 2.1 Million residence.
Belarus has 6 states (regions). Urbanisation is bringing more people
to the capital, Minsk and away from villages and regional cities.
Population
1990 10,190,000
1995 10,177,000
2002 9,899,000
People
Belarus means "white Russia", though there are close ties
with Russia, historians suggests Belarus' roots may be more from the
Baltic area than through Russian expansion (made popular under Stalin).
Belarusian: 7,900,000 (77.8%,; Russian: 1,300,000 (13.2%), Polish: 417,000
(4.1%), Ukrainian: 290,000 (2.9%), Jewish: 112,000 (1.1%), Other: 71,000
(0.9%)
Official
Languages
Belarusian and Russian. Literacy 98%
Economy
One of the most productive States of the USSR, Belarus' lack of market
reform since 1993 and Chernobyl disaster of 1986 has resulted in economic
hardship. Belarus' location (European Union to the west and the now
debt free Russia) has advantaged the poor economy and significant wealth
has been created since 2001. Belarus is primarily flat consisting of
11,000 lakes and vast forests. Industry and forestry constitute the
majority of it's economy.
Workforce consists of 5.1 million people, 3.6 million are employed by
the government.
Purchasing
power: USD$8,200 (2001 est)
Population
living in Poverty: 18%
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Brief
History
Belarus
was a part of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) during the USSR's 70 year
communist rule. Before this it has endured wars and shifting boarders
as surrounding countries desired its trade routes.
Still
today, Belarus' geographical location plays an important role as the
gateway between East and West. In fact, the term 'Iron Curtain' denoted
Belarus' task during the cold war of filtering information and access
to 'western propaganda'.
Belarus
was thrust into the international spotlight when disaster struck her
land and people in 1986. This was when a nuclear power plant in Ukraine
(Chernobyl) sent radioactive material into the atmosphere; 70% of which
fell on Belarus. The economic burden is said to be an estimated AUD$470
billion (US$235 billion)
25%
of Belarusian's died during WWII
25% of Belarusian's disappeared during Stalin's reign of terror
25% of Belarus' land has been contaminated by radioactive fallout from
Chernobyl (1986)
Religion
1999
government census revealed the following religious beliefs of Belarusians:
50% - No affiliation
40% - Russian Orthodoxy
7% - Roman Catholic
1% - Protestant
2% - other (including Jewish, Muslim, Jehovah's Witness)
Children's
homes / Orphanages: There are some 33,000+ children in 151 institutions
(3-16 years old). Figures do not include children in hospitals awaiting
placement into an orphanage nor youth placed in hostels (16+ years).
Children
and youth are a part of the most fragile and offer the greatest future
for Belarus. There is a lack of youth activity in Belarus, boredom and
restlessness result in a high youth drinking & smoking rate.
Young
Life works in Belarus to help alleviate physical and spiritual hardship
and build resilience and hope in all teenagers. |
