History of our country

 The First Belarussian States

Between the 9th and 12th centuries, the Principality of Polotsk (northern Belarus) emerged as the dominant center of power on the Belarusian territory, while the Principality of Turaŭ in the south had a lesser power.

Belarusian statehood started to form as early as the 10th century when Prince Rogvold began his reign on Polatsk lands which are historic and religious centre of the Belarusian nation and culture. The formation of the features of Belarusian people went on within the bounds of Kievskaya Rus.  

 The Grand Duchy of Lithuania

From the 13th till the 16th centuries the territory of Belarus was a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the most powerful country at that time. The Grand Duchy expanded to include large portions of the former Kievskaya Rus and other neighbouring states, including what is now Lithuania, Belarus and parts of Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Russia and Moldova. It was a multi-ethnic and multiconfessional state, with great diversity in languages, religion, and cultural heritage. 


The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569-1795)

This was a particularly turbulent time in Belarusian history. The state was drawn into wars in Europe and with Russia including:

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth led to long wars which weakened the state, and it lost its independence. In 1772 the western provinces of Belarus were annexed to the Russian Empire and in 1795 The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth  was divided between Russia, Austria and Prussia.

The Russian Empire

In the 18th century, Belarus became part of Russia. Under Russian administration, the territory of Belarus was divided into the guberniyas of Minsk, Vitebsk, Mogilyov, and Hrodno. In the 1840s, Nicholai I forbade the use of the term Belarusia and renamed the region the "North-Western Territory". He also prohibited the use of the Belarusian language in public schools. But despite this the 19th century signifies the rise of the modern Belarusian nation and self-confidence. A number of authors started publishing in the Belarusian language.

The Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic

Soon after the October Revolution on January 1, 1919, Belarus was proclaimed the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, and in 1922 it became a member of the USSR. 

Belarus Today

Belarus declared its sovereignty on July 27, 1991. According to the existing constitution the head of the state is the President. Belarus is a member of the United Nations and a number of other international organizations.