BIELORUSSIA Meaning and
Definition
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Bielorussia, also known as Belarus, is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The country covers an area of approximately 207,600 square kilometers and has a population of around 9.4 million people.
Bielorussia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and became a sovereign state. The capital and largest city of Bielorussia is Minsk, which serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the country. Bielorussia has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.
The official languages of Bielorussia are Belarusian and Russian, with Belarusian being the official language used by the government. The country's economy is predominantly industrial, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Bielorussia is known for its production of machinery, chemicals, textiles, agricultural products, and metals.
Bielorussia is a presidential republic, with the President serving as the head of state and government. The country also has a parliament, known as the National Assembly, which consists of two chambers - the Council of the Republic and the House of Representatives. Bielorussia has diplomatic relations with countries all over the world and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Etymology of BIELORUSSIA
The word "Bielorussia" is derived from the Old East Slavic term "Бѣла Русь" (Byela Rus'), which translates to "White Rus" or "White Russia" in English.
The term "Rus" refers to an ancient East Slavic tribe and medieval state that occupied the territory of modern-day Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Slavic word "Rusь", meaning "swift" or "fast", suggesting a connection to the Vikings who were known as "Rus" and had a significant influence on the region.
The addition of the adjective "Бѣла" (Byela) or "white" can be attributed to several theories. One suggestion is that it could describe the white clothing worn by the people of the region, as well as the extensive marshlands and birch forests that characterized the landscape.
