Minsk is an independent territorial unit of Belarus with a special status of the capital of the republic. In addition, it is the administrative center of the region and district. Hero City, a major scientific, economic and political center, as well as the cultural capital of Belarus.
Minsk area – 348 sq. km. The city is divided into 9 administrative-territorial units - districts.
First mentions
The first mention of the fact that on the banks of the river. Svisloch is inhabited by small settlements dating back to the 9th century. Two Slavic tribes settled in the river valley - the Dregovichi and the Krivichi. A description of the city and the activities of its first princes can be found in The Tale of Bygone Years. At one time, the city of Menesk (the ancient name of modern Minsk) was part of the Polotsk principality, was part of Kievan Rus, existed as a separate administrative unit. After the attack of the Mongol-Tatars on Kievan Rus, Minsk was under the protection of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, then it was part of the Commonwe alth. And after its division at the end of the 18th century, it went to the Russian Empire. A new Minsk province was formed,whose capital was the city of Minsk. During Soviet times, Minsk was the capital of the Byelorussian SSR. And after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republic became an independent state. The capital of Belarus has not changed.
Name and geographic location
The very origin of the name is most often attributed to the Menka River, which previously flowed on these lands. Translated from the Finnish-Ugric dialect - "small river".
Geographically, the city is located on a hill of moraine origin, which was formed during the Sozh glaciation (220 thousand years ago). The average height of the plain is 220 m, the highest point of the city is 283 m.
Climatic conditions
The capital of Belarus lies in a temperate climate, there is a clear change of seasons. Weather and climatic conditions are largely influenced by air masses from the Atlantic. The average annual rainfall is 700-800 mm, distributed evenly throughout the year. Average July temperatures are +18…+20°С. Summer is moderately warm, humid and not hot. Average January temperatures are -4…-5°С. Winter is moderate, with frequent thaws.
Population
Almost 2 million people live in Minsk. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in the population. By national composition, the vast majority (75%) are Belarusians. In smaller numbers in the capital live: Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Turkmens, Jews, Lithuanians. There are also small agglomerations of Turks, Arabs, Georgians, Moldovans, Gypsies. The majority of the population living in Minsk professesOrthodox Christianity.
Meaning of Minsk
The capital of Belarus bears the title of "Hero City". It is worth noting that it is in this settlement that the headquarters of the Commonwe alth of Independent States is located. In Europe, Minsk ranks 10th in terms of population. And according to this criterion on the territory of the EAEU - 3rd position.
The capital of the Republic of Belarus is a major industrial center of the country. Develops in diverse industries, of which the most popular are: food and light industry, automobile and tractor building, metalworking and instrument making.
Besides, Minsk is a powerful educational center. The largest state educational institutions of the state are concentrated here, in total 23 universities. More than half of the students of Belarus study there.
The cultural sphere is also extensively developed, which attracts tourists to Minsk. The capital of Belarus has 13 museums, 10 theaters, more than 3,500 sports facilities (sports fields, stadiums, tennis courts, ski slopes).
Transportation
The city has a well-developed transport system. All this is due to the fact that Minsk is the crossing point between Russia, Poland, Ukraine and the B altic States, the so-called transport corridor. The city has a subway and one airport.
Tourism
The capital of Belarus will also be interesting in terms of tourism. Of the attractions, especially popular are Victory Square and Independence Avenue, Trinity Suburb,National Library, numerous temples and churches. A visit to this city is a must, if only because of the various cultural buildings. They fully reflect the history of Belarus and will be useful to many travelers.
