Belarus, officially known as the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 after the dissolution of the USSR. Throughout its history, Belarus has been influenced by various neighboring countries such as Russia, Poland, and Lithuania. It has faced periods of occupation and conflict, including being part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later becoming part of the Russian Empire. During World War II, Belarus suffered greatly from the Nazi occupation, with many atrocities committed against its population. After the war, Belarus became a Soviet republic, experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Today, Belarus is a presidential republic with a strong central government and economy heavily reliant on agriculture and manufacturing. The country has faced political controversy and human rights concerns under long-time leader Alexander Lukashenko.
