Belarus

Languages:

Belarusian and Russian are the official languages of Belarus, with Belarusian being the primary language spoken by the local population. However, Russian is more widely spoken and used in government, education, and business. Additionally, there are also small communities of Polish, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian speakers in the country. The Belarusian language has been undergoing a revival in recent years, and the government has made efforts to promote its use and preserve its cultural heritage. The literacy rate in Belarus is high, with almost all adults being able to read and write.

Religion:

Belarus is a predominantly Christian country, with approximately 70% of the population identifying as Orthodox Christians. Other Christian denominations, such as Catholics, Protestants, and Old Believers, are also present in smaller numbers. There are also small communities of Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists, as well as non-religious people. The constitution of Belarus guarantees religious freedom to all citizens, and the government generally respects this right. However, there have been occasional reports of government interference in religious affairs and restrictions on the activities of some religious groups.

Ethnic Groups:

Belarusian 83.7%, Russian 8.3%, Polish 3.1%, Ukrainian 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.9% (2009 est.)