Minsk is the capital of the Republic of Belarus, its political, economic, scientific and cultural centre. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in our republic.

Minsk is situated on the river Svisloch and occupies an area of 200 square kilometres. Its population is about 1,8 million.

During the Great Patriotic War Minsk was destroyed by German invaders almost completely. In post-war years the city was rebuilt anew. Modern Minsk is a city of numerous plants and factories, modern buildings, tree-lined streets, beautiful parks and gardens. It is also a big traffic centre with a large network of railways, roads, airlines and two Metro lines.

Minsk has a highly developed industry. There are hundreds of industrial enterprises in the city which produce tractors and automobiles, motor-cycles and bicycles, TV-sets and radio-sets, watches and refrigerators, electronic computers, textile, footwear, food and other goods. Our Belarus tractors and MAZ trucks enjoy a high reputation both in our country and abroad.

Minsk is also known as a city of science and students. There is the Academy of Sciences and 16 state higher educational establishments there, the biggest of which are the University and the Polytechnical Academy.

The cultural life of the people in the Belarusian capital is varied and interesting. In Minsk there are 6 theatres, a number of concert halls, a circus, dozens of cinemas, many palaces of culture, libraries and clubs. The most famous theatres are the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Yanka Kupala State Academic Theatre, the Gorky Russian Drama Theatre.

Among the most interesting museums one can mention the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, the Art Museum and Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas museums.

Minsk is a Hero-City. It was honoured with the title in 1974 for outstanding courage and heroism during the Great Patriotic War.

The citizens of Minsk are proud of their city. It is beautiful at any time of the year. A lot of tourists from our country and abroad come to Minsk to see its sights.