Belarus

Belarus is a country in eastern Europe. It does not touch any ocean or sea. The land is mostly flat and has many forests, rivers, and lakes. About 9 million people live in Belarus, and the capital city is Minsk.

Forests and Animals

Belarus has one of the oldest forests in Europe called Bialowieza Forest. This forest is home to the European bison, which is the largest land animal in Europe. Bison look like big, furry cows with huge horns. The forest also has wolves, lynxes, and lots of birds. People from around the world visit to see these amazing animals.

People and Life

People in Belarus speak Belarusian and Russian. They enjoy eating potatoes in many different ways, from pancakes to soups. A famous dish is draniki, which is a kind of potato pancake. Belarusians love folk songs, traditional dances, and colorful costumes. Families often spend summers at country houses called dachas.

Fun Facts

• Belarus has more than 11,000 lakes spread across the country.
• About 40 percent of Belarus is covered in forest.
• The country's name means 'White Russia' in the old language.

Did You Know?

The European bison almost went extinct, but Belarus helped save them, and now hundreds live in the country's forests.