Belarus is a landlocked country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The capital and largest city of Belarus is Minsk. The country has a rich history influenced by various cultures and political changes, including periods of being part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Soviet Union. Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The official languages are Belarusian and Russian. The nation is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and rivers, as well as its cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and literature. Belarus has a mixed economy, with significant state ownership in many sectors, and is known for its heavy industry and agriculture. The political environment is characterized by a centralized government and has drawn criticism for its human rights record and lack of democratic freedoms.
Belarus boasts a paradoxical internet landscape: on one hand, it has a highly developed network infrastructure with broad access and affordable high-speed connections; on the other hand, it operates under one of the most tightly controlled and censored regimes in Europe. As of 2022, nearly 89.5% of Belarusians were internet users freedomhouse.org, reflecting significant penetration…
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