Topics 8 Belarus

Belarus is my homeland. It is a country of rich history and ancient culture. The name of Belarus or “Belaya Russ” was first mentioned in chronicles in the thirteenth century. The official name of the country is the Republic of Belarus. It is situated in the centre of Europe. It borders on Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Ukraine and Poland.

Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and long rivers. The Dnieper, Pripyat, Sozh, Berezina, Zapadnaya Dvina, Neman are the biggest rivers. The largest lake is Lake Naroch. The climate of the country is moderately continental with mild winter, warm summer and wet autumn.

Today Belarus is a developed industrial state. The main industries are engineering, chemical industry, wood-working industry, light and food industries. The main industrious centres are Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Soligorsk, Zhodino, Brest and others.

Agriculture of Belarus specializes in milk and meat production, flax, vegetables and fruit.

Belarus is an independent state. The national government consists of the President and his helpers, the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister and the Parliament.

Belarus has its own national flag, emblem and anthem. The State flag of the Republic of Belarus is green and red with the Belarusian national ornament on the left side. The State emblem of Belarus is a wreath of flax, clover and spikes decorated by red and green ribbons. In the middle of it you can see the globe with the rising sun above and the contour of Belarus. There is a red star on the top of it.

The capital of the country is Minsk, its political, industrial, economic and cultural center.

I love my country. I’m proud of its people, its past and present. And I believe Belarus will have a happy future.

Minsk

Minsk is the capital of Belarus. It is its political, economic, scientific and cultural centre with the population of about 2 million people.

Minsk is an ancient and beautiful city with a long history. It was first mentioned as a town in a chronicle in 1067. There are a few theories about the origin of the name. Some scientists say that the name of the city came from the name of the river Menka which dried out. Others think that there was a great market and the name of the city came from the Russian word ‘mena’ exchange. Minsk was burnt and ruined many times during its history, but every time it was rebuilt.

Today it is a big growing city with green streets and wide avenues, modern buildings with interesting architecture.

Minsk has a highly developed industry. There are many plants and factories here. It is also known as a city of science and students.

There are many places to visit and have a good time in the city, parks and gardens, museums and galleries, theatres and cinemas.

There are no many ancient buildings and monuments because during the Great Patriotic War the city was almost destroyed. The example of the national architecture of the 19^th century is Troitskoye Predmestje, a favourite place of the citizens and guests of Minsk. There you can enjoy not only beautiful scenery, but visit exhibition halls, souvenir shops, comfortable cafes.

The whole city makes a good impression and creates homely atmosphere. I’m proud of my city and living here brings me pleasure and happiness.