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           BELARUS
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Belarus, formerly Byelorussia
a republic of the former USSR,
declared itself independent in
1991. It borders Poland to the
west, Ukraine to the south,
Latvia and Lithuanian to the
north, and the Russian
Federation to the east. The
country consists mainly of a
low-lying plain, and forests
cover approximately one third
of it. The climate is
continental with long severe
winters and short warm
summers. The main economic
activity is agriculture. The
production of peat is the main
industry.

Area (Sq. Km.): 207,600

Population: 9,878,000

Capital: Minsk

Language:
Belorussian
Russian

Religion:
Russian Orthodox
Roman Catholic
Evangelical
Numbers not recorded.

Government Type:
Republic

Currency: Rouble

Embassy:
Represented by CIS

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Foreign Office Advice:

Although the level of crime is
generally lower than in the
Russian Federation, travellers
should remain vigilant against
mugging, theft and
pickpocketing, particularly at
the border crossing at Brest
and on overnight trains. Do
not leave the compartment
unattended and ensure the door
is secured from the inside. It
is not known whether local
airlines always observe proper
maintenance procedures. For
safety, travellers should fly
directly to their destination
on an international flight
originating outside the Soviet
Union.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129