Daily Life In Belarus

MINSK, BELARUS - JULY 01: A statue of Vladimir Lenin in front of Government House in Independence Square on July 01, 2017 in Minsk, Belarus. Independence Day, also known as the Day of the Republic is celebrated annually on July 3, and marked as an official national public holiday, commemorating the anniversary, when the capital, Minsk, was liberated by Soviet troops from Nazi occupation during World War II. The post-Soviet republic of Belarus, borders Poland to its West, Lithuania to its North West, Russia to its North East, and Ukraine to its South. A predominantly flat country of Lakes and Forests, home to Wolves, Brown Bears and EuropeÕs only population of Bison. The population is around 9.5 million people, and it often cited as being 'Europe's last Dictatorship'. Belarus' current President Alexander Lukashenko has been in power since 1994, winning his fifth term in October 2015 with 83.5 % of the vote. Visa restrictions to Belarus have recently been lifted, allowing citizens from the European Union, America and 51 other countries visa-free entry to the country for up to 5 days through Minsk International Airport. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)