Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Belarus
Беларусь
CapitalMinsk
Population9,085,991
GDP$93.4bn
Area207,597 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. In 1999, Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union, envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place and negotiations on further integration have been contentious. Since taking office in 1994 as the country's first and only directly elected president, Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means and a centralized economic system. Government restrictions on political and civil freedoms, freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion have remained in place. Restrictions on political freedoms have tightened in the wake of the disputed presidential election in 2020. The election results sparked large-scale protests as members of the opposition and civil society criticized the election’s validity. LUKASHENKA has remained in power as the disputed winner of the presidential election after quelling protests in 2020. Since 2022, Belarus has facilitated Russia's war in Ukraine, which was launched in part from Belarusian territory.
Reference: 2022, 2020, 1999, 1994Geography
Location
Eastern Europe, east of Poland
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 207,600 sq km
land: 202,900 sq km
water: 4,700 sq km
land: 202,900 sq km
water: 4,700 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Kentucky; slightly smaller than Kansas
Land boundaries
total: 3,599 km
border countries: Latvia 161 km; Lithuania 640 km; Poland 375 km; Russia 1,312 km; Ukraine 1,111 km
border countries: Latvia 161 km; Lithuania 640 km; Poland 375 km; Russia 1,312 km; Ukraine 1,111 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime
Terrain
generally flat with much marshland
Elevation
highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m
lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m
mean elevation: 160 m
lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m
mean elevation: 160 m
Natural resources
timber, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay
Land use
agricultural land: 39.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 44% (2023 est.)
other: 16.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 44% (2023 est.)
other: 16.5% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
260 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Major rivers (by length in km)
Dnyapro (Dnieper) (shared with Russia [s] and Ukraine [m]) - 2,287 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: (Black Sea) Dnieper (533,966 sq km)
Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Natural hazards
large tracts of marshy land
Geography - note
landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Belarusian(s)
adjective: Belarusian
adjective: Belarusian
Ethnic groups
Belarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9% (2009 est.)
Reference: 2009Languages
Languages: Russian (official) 71.4%, Belarusian (official) 26%, other 0.3% (includes small Polish- and Ukrainian-speaking minorities), unspecified 2.3% (2019 est.)
major-language sample(s): Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Reference: 2019major-language sample(s): Книга фактов о мире – незаменимый источник базовой информации. (Russian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Orthodox 48.3%, Catholic 7.1%, other 3.5%, non-believers 41.1% (2011 est.)
Reference: 2011Age structure
0-14 years: 16.1% (male 787,849/female 741,293)
15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,073,507/female 3,204,088)
65 years and over: 17.8% (2024 est.) (male 572,483/female 1,122,231)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,073,507/female 3,204,088)
65 years and over: 17.8% (2024 est.) (male 572,483/female 1,122,231)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 51.4 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 27 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 24.4 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 27 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 42.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 39.5 years
female: 45 years
Reference: 2024male: 39.5 years
female: 45 years
Population growth rate
-0.42% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
8.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
13.3 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
a fairly even distribution throughout most of the country, with urban areas attracting larger and denser populations
Major urban areas - population
2.057 million MINSK (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female
total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female
total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
26.8 years (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Maternal mortality ratio
1 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.72 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
9.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 10.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.98 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 4.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 26.4% (2025 est.)
male: 44.5% (2025 est.)
female: 11.6% (2025 est.)
male: 44.5% (2025 est.)
female: 11.6% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
66.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.1% (2019)
women married by age 18: 4.7% (2019)
men married by age 18: 1.6% (2019)
Reference: 2019women married by age 18: 4.7% (2019)
men married by age 18: 1.6% (2019)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 44,621 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5,620 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 5,620 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Alexander Turchyn | — | 2025-03-10 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Alexander Lukashenka | — | 1994-07-20 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Belarus
conventional short form: Belarus
local long form: Respublika Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Respublika Belarus' (Russian)
local short form: Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Belarus' (Russian)
former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology: the name is a compound of the Slavic words "bel" (white) and "Rus" (the Old East Slavic ethnic designation) to form the meaning White Rusian or White Ruthenian
conventional short form: Belarus
local long form: Respublika Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Respublika Belarus' (Russian)
local short form: Byelarus' (Belarusian)/ Belarus' (Russian)
former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic
etymology: the name is a compound of the Slavic words "bel" (white) and "Rus" (the Old East Slavic ethnic designation) to form the meaning White Rusian or White Ruthenian
Capital
name: Minsk
geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; it may be derived from the Menka River
geographic coordinates: 53 54 N, 27 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; it may be derived from the Menka River
Administrative divisions
6 regions (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1 municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel' (Gomel'), Horad Minsk* (Minsk City), Hrodna (Grodno), Mahilyow (Mogilev), Minsk, Vitsyebsk (Vitebsk)
note: note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when different from Belarusian
note: note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers; Russian spelling provided for reference when different from Belarusian
Legal system
civil law system
note: note: nearly all major codes (civil, civil procedure, criminal, criminal procedure, family, and labor) were revised and came into force in 1999 and 2000
Reference: 2000, 1999note: note: nearly all major codes (civil, civil procedure, criminal, criminal procedure, family, and labor) were revised and came into force in 1999 and 2000
Constitution
history: several previous; latest drafted between late 1991 and early 1994, signed 15 March 1994
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic through petition to the National Assembly or by petition of least 150,000 eligible voters; approval required by at least two-thirds majority vote in both chambers or by simple majority of votes cast in a referendum
note: note: one of several amendments passed in the February 2022 referendum -- the presidential 5-year, two-term limit -- will be imposed after the 2025 election
Reference: 2025, 2022, 1994, 1991amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic through petition to the National Assembly or by petition of least 150,000 eligible voters; approval required by at least two-thirds majority vote in both chambers or by simple majority of votes cast in a referendum
note: note: one of several amendments passed in the February 2022 referendum -- the presidential 5-year, two-term limit -- will be imposed after the 2025 election
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Belarus
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Belarus
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (since 20 July 1994)
head of government: Prime Minister Alyaksandr TURCHYN (since 10 March 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly
most recent election date: first election held on 23 June and 10 July 1994; the 1994 constitution set the next election for 1999, but Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA extended his term to 2001 via a referendum; subsequent election held in 2001; a 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed LUKASHENKA to run and win a third term (19 March 2006), fourth term (19 December 2010), fifth term (11 October 2015), sixth term (9 August 2020), and seventh term (26 January 2025)
election results: 2025: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 86.8%, Sergey Syrankov (Communist Party) 3.2%, 3.6% voting against all
2020: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 80.1%, Svyatlana TSIKHANOWSKAYA (independent) 10.1%, other 9.8%; note - widespread street protests erupted following announcement of the election results amid allegations of voter fraud
2015: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA elected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 84.1%, Tatsyana KARATKEVIC (BSDPH) 4.4%, Sergey GAYDUKEVICH (LDP) 3.3%, other 8.2%.
expected date of next election: 2030
Reference: 2030, 2025, 2020, 2015head of government: Prime Minister Alyaksandr TURCHYN (since 10 March 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (no term limits); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly
most recent election date: first election held on 23 June and 10 July 1994; the 1994 constitution set the next election for 1999, but Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA extended his term to 2001 via a referendum; subsequent election held in 2001; a 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits and allowed LUKASHENKA to run and win a third term (19 March 2006), fourth term (19 December 2010), fifth term (11 October 2015), sixth term (9 August 2020), and seventh term (26 January 2025)
election results: 2025: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 86.8%, Sergey Syrankov (Communist Party) 3.2%, 3.6% voting against all
2020: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA reelected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 80.1%, Svyatlana TSIKHANOWSKAYA (independent) 10.1%, other 9.8%; note - widespread street protests erupted following announcement of the election results amid allegations of voter fraud
2015: Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA elected president; percent of vote - Alyaksandr LUKASHENKA (independent) 84.1%, Tatsyana KARATKEVIC (BSDPH) 4.4%, Sergey GAYDUKEVICH (LDP) 3.3%, other 8.2%.
expected date of next election: 2030
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Natsionalnoye Sobranie)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: House of Representatives (Palata Predstaviteley)
number of seats: 110 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/25/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Belaya Rus party (51); Republican Party of Labour and Justice (8); Communist Party of Belarus (7); Non-partisans (40); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 33.9%
expected date of next election: February 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 110 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/25/2024
parties elected and seats per party: Belaya Rus party (51); Republican Party of Labour and Justice (8); Communist Party of Belarus (7); Non-partisans (40); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber: 33.9%
expected date of next election: February 2029
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Council of the Republic (Soviet Respubliki)
number of seats: 65 (56 indirectly elected; 8 appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/4/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 30.5%
expected date of next election: March 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024number of seats: 65 (56 indirectly elected; 8 appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 4/4/2024
percentage of women in chamber: 30.5%
expected date of next election: March 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chairman and deputy chairman and organized into several specialized panels, including economic and military; number of judges set by the president of the republic and the court chairman); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 judges, including a chairman and deputy chairman)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the consent of the Council of the Republic; judges initially appointed for 5 years and evaluated for life appointment; Constitutional Court judges - 6 appointed by the president and 6 elected by the Council of the Republic; the presiding judge directly elected by the president and approved by the Council of the Republic; judges can serve for 11 years with an age limit of 70
subordinate courts: oblast courts; Minsk City Court; town courts; Minsk city and oblast economic courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the consent of the Council of the Republic; judges initially appointed for 5 years and evaluated for life appointment; Constitutional Court judges - 6 appointed by the president and 6 elected by the Council of the Republic; the presiding judge directly elected by the president and approved by the Council of the Republic; judges can serve for 11 years with an age limit of 70
subordinate courts: oblast courts; Minsk City Court; town courts; Minsk city and oblast economic courts
Political parties
Belaya Rus or BR
Republican Party of Labour and Justice or RPTS
Communist Party of Belarus or CBP
Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus or LDPB
Republican Party of Labour and Justice or RPTS
Communist Party of Belarus or CBP
Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus or LDPB
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant; recalled by Belarus in 2008); Chargé d'Affaires Pavel SHIDLOWSKI (since 9 August 2022)
chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1606
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
email address and website: usa@mfa.gov.by
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America (mfa.gov.by)
Reference: 2022, 2008chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1606
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
email address and website: usa@mfa.gov.by
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America (mfa.gov.by)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Michael KREIDLER (since July 2025)
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: 7010 Minsk Place, Washington DC 20521-7010
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83
FAX: [375] (17) 334-78-53
email address and website: ConsularMinsk@state.gov
https://by.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: 7010 Minsk Place, Washington DC 20521-7010
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83
FAX: [375] (17) 334-78-53
email address and website: ConsularMinsk@state.gov
https://by.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC
Independence
25 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)
Reference: 1991National holiday
Independence Day, 3 July (1944)
note: note: 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Reference: 1991, 1944note: note: 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Flag
description: red horizontal band (top), with a green horizontal band below that is half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the left side has traditional Belarusian designs in red
meaning: the red stands for past struggles to escape oppression, and the green for hope and the country's forests
meaning: the red stands for past struggles to escape oppression, and the green for hope and the country's forests
National symbol(s)
no official symbol; the mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Chaser) is the traditional symbol
National color(s)
green, red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "My, Bielarusy" (We Belarusians)
lyrics/music: Mikhas KLIMKOVICH and Uladzimir KARYZNA/Nester SAKALOUSKI
history: music adopted 1955, lyrics adopted 2002; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus kept the music of its Soviet-era anthem but adopted new lyrics; also known as "Dziarzauny himn Respubliki Bielarus" (State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus)
Reference: 2002, 1955lyrics/music: Mikhas KLIMKOVICH and Uladzimir KARYZNA/Nester SAKALOUSKI
history: music adopted 1955, lyrics adopted 2002; after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus kept the music of its Soviet-era anthem but adopted new lyrics; also known as "Dziarzauny himn Respubliki Bielarus" (State Anthem of the Republic of Belarus)
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Białowieża Forest (n); Mir Castle Complex (c); Architectural, Residential, and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Białowieża Forest (n); Mir Castle Complex (c); Architectural, Residential, and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh (c)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belarus official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus | — | 174 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
declining Russian energy subsidies will end in 2024; growing public debt; strong currency pressures have led to higher inflation; recent price controls on basic food and drugs; public sector wage increases and fragile private sector threaten household income gains and economic growth
Reference: 2024Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $265.22 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $254.995 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $244.89 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $254.995 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $244.89 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $29,000 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $27,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $26,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $27,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $26,500 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 6.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 30.7% (2024 est.)
services: 49.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 30.7% (2024 est.)
services: 49.7% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 56.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 19% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 65.1% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -66.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 19% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 23.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 65.1% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -66.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, sugar beets, potatoes, wheat, triticale, barley, maize, rapeseed, rye, chicken (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers, motorcycles, synthetic fibers, fertilizer, textiles, refrigerators, washing machines and other household appliances
Industrial production growth rate
6% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
4.817 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.1% (2024 est.)
male: 11.7% (2024 est.)
female: 8.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 11.7% (2024 est.)
female: 8.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
3.9% (2022 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2022note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2020: 24.4 (2020 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2020note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 29.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 7.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 7.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 4.5% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 20.7% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2020highest 10%: 20.7% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 1.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 2% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $22.876 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $21.912 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $21.912 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2019: 33.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2019note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
12.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.925 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $49.386 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $47.714 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.124 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $47.714 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.124 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 34%, Kazakhstan 10%, Uzbekistan 7%, Poland 6%, Brazil 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fertilizers, rapeseed oil, wood, poultry, beef (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $50.679 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $47.459 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $42.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $47.459 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $42.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 33%, Poland 16%, Germany 11%, Lithuania 10%, Turkey 9% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, broadcasting equipment, fabric, plastic products, video displays (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $8.912 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $8.118 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $7.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $8.118 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $7.923 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $18.01 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Belarusian rubles (BYB/BYR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 3.246 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3.007 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.626 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.539 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.44 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 3.246 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 3.007 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 2.626 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 2.539 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 2.44 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$1.925 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$1.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$1.104 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $2.628 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $49.386 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $47.714 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.124 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $47.714 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $47.124 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 34%, Kazakhstan 10%, Uzbekistan 7%, Poland 6%, Brazil 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fertilizers, rapeseed oil, wood, poultry, beef (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $50.679 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $47.459 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $42.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $47.459 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $42.438 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 33%, Poland 16%, Germany 11%, Lithuania 10%, Turkey 9% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
cars, broadcasting equipment, fabric, plastic products, video displays (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 12.653 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 39.883 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.553 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 3.149 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 39.883 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 4.553 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 4 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 3.149 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 70% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear: 26.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023nuclear: 26.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 1.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors: 2 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.22GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2023Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 2.22GW (2025 est.)
Percent of total electricity production: 28.6% (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 710,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 966,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.635 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 966,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.635 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 30,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 125,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 198 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 125,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 198 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 68.494 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 15.094 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 15.433 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.832 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 15.094 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 15.433 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 2.832 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 104.821 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.173 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
1 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 6.6% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 12.3% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
4.72 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
9.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.5% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 26.4% (2025 est.)
male: 44.5% (2025 est.)
female: 11.6% (2025 est.)
male: 44.5% (2025 est.)
female: 11.6% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 14 years (2023 est.)
male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 14 years (2023 est.)
female: 15 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law system
note: note: nearly all major codes (civil, civil procedure, criminal, criminal procedure, family, and labor) were revised and came into force in 1999 and 2000
Reference: 2000, 1999note: note: nearly all major codes (civil, civil procedure, criminal, criminal procedure, family, and labor) were revised and came into force in 1999 and 2000
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chairman and deputy chairman and organized into several specialized panels, including economic and military; number of judges set by the president of the republic and the court chairman); Constitutional Court (consists of 12 judges, including a chairman and deputy chairman)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the consent of the Council of the Republic; judges initially appointed for 5 years and evaluated for life appointment; Constitutional Court judges - 6 appointed by the president and 6 elected by the Council of the Republic; the presiding judge directly elected by the president and approved by the Council of the Republic; judges can serve for 11 years with an age limit of 70
subordinate courts: oblast courts; Minsk City Court; town courts; Minsk city and oblast economic courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president with the consent of the Council of the Republic; judges initially appointed for 5 years and evaluated for life appointment; Constitutional Court judges - 6 appointed by the president and 6 elected by the Council of the Republic; the presiding judge directly elected by the president and approved by the Council of the Republic; judges can serve for 11 years with an age limit of 70
subordinate courts: oblast courts; Minsk City Court; town courts; Minsk city and oblast economic courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Belarus Armed Forces: Army, Air and Air Defense Force, Special Operations Force, Special Troops, Territorial Defense Forces
Ministry of Interior: State Border Troops, Militia, Internal Troops (2025)
note: note: in early 2023, President LUKASHENKA ordered the formation of a new volunteer paramilitary territorial defense force to supplement the Army
Reference: 2025, 2023Ministry of Interior: State Border Troops, Militia, Internal Troops (2025)
note: note: in early 2023, President LUKASHENKA ordered the formation of a new volunteer paramilitary territorial defense force to supplement the Army
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 50-60,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory is comprised mostly of Russian and Soviet-origin equipment; Belarus's defense industry manufactures some equipment (mostly modernized Soviet designs), including vehicles, guided weapons, and electronic warfare systems (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-27 years of age for compulsory military or alternative service; conscript service obligation is 12-18 months, depending on academic qualifications, and 24-36 months for alternative service, also depending on academic qualifications; 17-year-olds are eligible to become cadets at military higher education institutes, where they are classified as military personnel (2023)
note: note: conscripts can be assigned to the military, to the Ministry of Interior, or to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (alternative service)
Reference: 2023note: note: conscripts can be assigned to the military, to the Ministry of Interior, or to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (alternative service)
Military - note
the military of Belarus is responsible for territorial defense; Russia is the country’s closest security partner, and the military conducts joint training exercises with Russian forces; in 2022, Belarus allowed the Russian military to stage on its territory for their invasion of Ukraine; in 2023, Belarus agreed to permit Russia to deploy nuclear weapons on its soil
Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and has committed an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force; the military trains regularly with other CSTO members (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2023, 2022, 1994Belarus has been a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) since 1994 and has committed an airborne brigade to CSTO's rapid reaction force; the military trains regularly with other CSTO members (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant; recalled by Belarus in 2008); Chargé d'Affaires Pavel SHIDLOWSKI (since 9 August 2022)
chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1606
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
email address and website: usa@mfa.gov.by
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America (mfa.gov.by)
Reference: 2022, 2008chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1606
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
email address and website: usa@mfa.gov.by
Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the United States of America (mfa.gov.by)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Michael KREIDLER (since July 2025)
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: 7010 Minsk Place, Washington DC 20521-7010
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83
FAX: [375] (17) 334-78-53
email address and website: ConsularMinsk@state.gov
https://by.usembassy.gov/
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya Street, Minsk 220002
mailing address: 7010 Minsk Place, Washington DC 20521-7010
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83
FAX: [375] (17) 334-78-53
email address and website: ConsularMinsk@state.gov
https://by.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1992-01-30 |
| Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) | member | 1994-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1991-08-25 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CEI, CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAEU, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 44,621 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 5,620 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 5,620 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — Belarus does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Belarus remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/belarus/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
EW
Airports
46 (2025)
Heliports
4 (2025)
Railways
total: 5,528 km (2014)
standard gauge: 25 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
broad gauge: 5,503 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)
Reference: 2014standard gauge: 25 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge
broad gauge: 5,503 km (2014) 1.520-m gauge (874 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 4 (2023)
by type: other 4
Reference: 2023by type: other 4
Environment
Environmental issues
soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine
Reference: 1986International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime
Land use
agricultural land: 39.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 44% (2023 est.)
other: 16.5% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 27.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 11.7% (2023 est.)
forest: 44% (2023 est.)
other: 16.5% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 80.7% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.28% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 46.709 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.497 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 15.884 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 29.328 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.497 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 15.884 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 29.328 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
13.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.28 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 19% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 600 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 430 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 385 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 430 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 385 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
57.9 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 4.173 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 46 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
7 state-controlled national TV channels; Polish and Russian TV broadcasts are available in some areas; state-run Belarusian Radio operates 5 national networks and an external service; Russian and Polish radio broadcasts are available (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.by
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 9,469,379 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 9,458,989 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 9,438,785 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 9,419,758 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 9,379,952 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 9,302,585 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 9,228,071 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 9,178,298 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 9,132,629 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 9,085,991 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $47,723,545,321 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $54,725,405,751 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $60,031,026,576 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $64,410,170,653 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $61,371,673,345 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $69,673,747,132 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $73,775,179,925 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $72,478,760,370 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $78,591,839,300 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $93,397,215,864 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,067,090 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,054,604 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 1,768,067 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 1,680,350 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 1,599,048 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 1,462,091 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,310,899 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,079,713 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 919,469 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 790,232 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8,272 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 3,337 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 8,615 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -33,954 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -33,954 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -33,954 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -8,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -3,034 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -3,119 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -3,020 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,085,991 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 8,937,018 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 9,056,080 | 2026 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 1,054,604 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 11.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 790,232 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -3,020 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 599 | 2013 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 84 | 2013 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 19,462 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 8,117 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.025 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -2.822 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -1.984 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -2.561 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -2.000 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -2.873 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -2.209 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1994 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No Constitutional ban since 1994 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No / Yes Banned from military service during peacetime, but during wartime homosexuals are permitted to enlist as partially able | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes / No (Highly bureaucratic, lengthy two-stage process: deciding body meets only twice a year; permission for medical or surgical interventions only at the second stage. Flaw in passport conversion whereby passport number may reveal former designation of sex to agencies.) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $93,397,215,864 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $10,279 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 1.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 6.6% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 3.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 74.4 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.2 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 79.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 94.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 55.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 57.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 112.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 99.9% | 2019 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 94.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 5.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 4,198 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 8.2% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 7.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 1.8 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 43.4% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 131.1 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 36.3 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 12,730 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 53.9678° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 27.5766° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 53.5283° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 28.0467° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00, Europe/Minsk | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | presidential system, republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12