Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$11,800 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

14.8% (2008 est.)

Population

9,648,533 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

D

Ease of Doing Business

85/181

Global Competitiveness

-/134

Country Map

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Belarus : Introduction

After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1994 as the country's first president, Aleksandr LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion remain in place.

Belarus: Ministry of Statistics and Analysis

Official statistical database of Belarus. The web site provides main socio-economic statistical data. A copy of the statistical reports can be ordered, since the data is not downloadable. The site provides links to the web sites of the other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine). (English and Russian)

Belarus: National Bank of the Republic of Belarus

The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus performs the functions of the Central Depositary and financial agent of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus concerning bonds placement and redemption. Available in Russian and English.

Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (July 2009)