Minsk is one of the Belarus oldest cities and modern capital of the Republic of Belarus. Minsk is considered to be the one of the cleanest city in whole Eastern Europe.
Minsk has a rich history: it was once the capital of principality of Minsk, the Belarusian People’s Republic, the capital of Lithuanian-Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic and the capital of Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic.
For the first time Minsk was mentioned in the year 1067 as the site where the Nemiga Battle had taken place. Minsk received its name from the name river Nemiga inflow – Menka. Over a long period of time the city was known as Mensk and only in July 29 of 1939 its name was changed to the final official name «Minsk». In 1991 there were attempts to return city its old name, but this proposal didn`t obtain the needed support among city deputies.
Modern Minsk proudly holds not only the title of the capital of the country, but it also has the title of Hero City. Minsk is the center of Minsk region and Minsk district, but it doesn`t a part of them. Minsk is a separate administrative area of Belarusian state. The Commonwealth of Independent States` headquarter is situated in Minsk, what undoubtedly make positive effect on the city`s status as a whole. Among cities of Common Economic Area Minsk is the third largest city.
Today Minsk is the modern economic, political, scientific and cultural center of the Republic of Belarus.
Minsk area is about 348.85 km². The population density of Minsk is 6,123 persons per km². According to 2012 population census 1,904,300 people live in Minsk. Over recent years the Minsk population has grown significantly. The great part of Minsk population form Belarusians and in Minsk live also such nationalities as Russian, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, Gypsies and others.
In administrative aspect the Belarusian capital has been divided into nine administrative regions: the Zavodskoy district, the Leninsky district, the Moskovsky district, the October district, the Partizansky district, the Pervomaysky district, the Soviet district, the Frunzensky district and the Central district.
Each district has its own characteristics and importance for the city. So the Zavodskoy district was formed in 1961. This district covers the entire south-eastern part of the city. The district`s area is about 2980 hectares, 233.5 hectares of which cover green areas and 200 hectares for water. All the Minsk labor resources are located in this district; therefore it`s got such a name.
The Leninsky district was founded in 1950. Leninsky district is situated at two banks of the river Svisloch to the Minsk ring road along Independence Avenue. The area of Leninsky district is about 1887 hectares, 202 of which are occupied for green areas and 93 hectares for water.
The Moskovsky district was established in 1977. This district occupies the south-western part of Minsk. The district’s total area is 1,800 hectares, but only 46,7 hectares of which only are for green space. There are 21 companies and 300 research institutes in the Moskovsky district. This district is full of sights.
The Partizansky district was also established in 1977. The district received its name in honor of the memory of the people`s heroic struggle in the Great Patriotic War. The Partizansky district is located at the eastern part of Minsk. On the territory of the Partizansky district there is the Slepyanskoe reservoir, where a lot of people take a rest in summer. On the district area there are also 16 enterprises and 4 research institutes. This district is full of large number of monuments in honor of the country`s heroic past.
As many others the Pervomaysky district was founded in 1977 and it occupies the northeastern part of the city. The total area of the district is about 2640 hectares, 500 hectares of which are for green spaces. The Pervomaysky district has such attractions as National Library of the Republic of Belarus, the film studio “Belarusfilm”. All the scientific and intellectual life of the city is situated in this district. The High-Tech Park and 12 industrial organizations are situated in this district. The other attraction of this district is the Botanical Garden.
The October district is considered to be the gate of Minsk, as the main highways are in this district. The date of foundation of this district is the year 1938, but the modern shape this district got only in 1977 as many others districts of the city. The October district occupied the southern part of Minsk. The area is about 2100 hectares, 518 of which are for green area. The October district is rich in historical past as well, because famous Belarusian writers as Maxim Bogdanovich and Zmitrok Byadulya have lived in this area. Architectural monument "Belaya Dacha" - the mansion of the 19th century - is also situated within this district.
The Soviet district was founded in 1938, but like all other districts a modern shape it got only in 1997. The entire northern part of Minsk is called the Soviet district. The area of this district is about 1300 hectares, 500 of which are occupied by green spaces.
The main attraction of the Soviet district is area is the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus. In this zone is high concentration of branches of the Minsk leading educational, as well as 13 industrial companies. The branches of higher educational institutions are also situated in this district as well as 13 industrial enterprises.
The Frunzensky district was founded in 1951 and was named in honor of M.V. Frunze. The Frunzensky district is the biggest district in the city. In this district 22 industrial and 11 construction enterprises are located. Also the Frunzensky district has a serious sport and health-improving base.
The Central district was formed in 1969 along the two sides of the river Svisloch and Komsomolskoe Lake. All the major attractions, which can tell a lot of the city`s history are situated in this district: The Trinity suburb, The Cathedral, The Eternal Flame in honor of the victory in Great Patriotic war and the Second World War and many others.
At the moment, the mayor of Minsk is Nikolai Ladutko. Each second Saturday of September Minsk celebrates the City Day with mass celebrations, festivals and fireworks.
The city has an extensive water-channel system and standing on the river Svisloch, but there are also such rivers as Nemiga Loshitsa, Cna and Myshka. All these rivers belong to the Black Sea basin.
The city has artesian springs from which drinking water is supplied to inhabitants.
The highest point in Minsk is 283 meters and it is situated on Leszchinskogo str., 8. The lowest point Minsk is 181.4 meters and is located in the Chizhovka micro district.
As for the Minsk climate it`s a moderate-continental with significant influence of Atlantic air masses. This means that summer in Minsk mostly warm but not hot and winter is mild. The average temperature in summer is about +19 °C, and in winter -5 °C. However it should be mentioned that the winter temperature is increasing little by little. The average humidity is 77% per year.
Minsk is the largest economic and industrial city of the Republic of Belarus. The city has such large enterprises as tractor plant, automobile plant, the factory of diesel engines and wheel tractors, machine-tool factory, watch factory, bicycle plant and many others.
The electronics industry is also well developed. Minsk has such manufacturers of electronic products as "Integral", "Horizon", a manufacturer of refrigerators and household appliances "Atlant", and the Belarusian radio-electronic plant. The largest electric transport manufacturer in the whole Commonwealth of Independent States is located in Minsk.
Despite the high concentration of industrial enterprises in the Belarusian capital, the municipal authorities regularly hold shares on air pollution by exhaust gases. Also at the time the city authorities are considering a draft bill according to which the entry on vehicles with non-environmental engines will be prohibited in the city center. It is also planned to take all the third class enterprises out of city.
Among well-known not only throughout the country but also in neighboring and other countries are the following food businesses that located in Minsk: brewery "Krynitsa" and "Olivaria" confectionery "Kommunarka" and "Slodych."
The most famous enterprises in textile industry are "Elema", “Milavitsa”, “Serge” and others.
It should be mentioned that in Minsk 23 higher educational institutions are concentrated, which are famous for the quality of its education.
So recently Belarusian State University was in the top 5 universities in IT specialists training, overtaking Moscow University. One of the best all over the country and far beyond its borders are considered the following universities such as Belarusian State University, Belarusian National Technical University, Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Belarusian State Technological University, Belarusian State Academy of Music, Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, the Belarusian State Medical University and Minsk State Linguistic University.
Belarus is famous for its health system. So in Minsk there are a high concentration of medical institutions, including the consultative-diagnostic center, a plastic surgery and cosmetology center. In Minsk the Belarusian Republican Scientific and Practical Center is located on the base of 9th City Hospital, which is the only center for organ transplantation and skin grafting in the whole Republic of Belarus.
Minsk is not only a modern industrial and economic center of the country, but also its cultural center. The main sights of Minsk are the following: the Trinity Suburb (Old Town), Victory Square (symbol of eternal memory of the fallen in World War II), city churches (old and unique buildings), Independence Avenue and the National Library, which is made in the form of a large diamond as a symbol of the value of knowledge.
Since the Second World War Minsk was almost completely destroyed, that`s why the city had very little ancient architectural monuments. In Minsk architecture the socialist construction dominates, which blends harmoniously with the urban landscape.
The “City gates” is a good example of socialist construction in Minsk - an architectural complex of two high-rise 50-ies meters buildings of the 20 century. House of the Government is another admirable instance of soviet architecture. The neighbor of House of the Government is an architectural monument of the 19th century – the Church of Saints Simon and Helena. This church is the most famous landmark in the Minsk and is known under the name The Red Church. Another monument of the 19th century is the Trinity suburb, located near the Nemiga underground station. The Trinity suburb is a small piece of old town Mensk. It should be mentioned that during the heavy summer rainfalls the territory of Nemiga underground station id flooded by the river and it reminds one of the districts of Venice.
The upper town is a little in size, but there are some buildings of imperial times. The City Hall is considered to be the center of the town. The history of the Minsk City Hall is related to the Magdeburg Law. During wars the City Hall was destroyed several times, but it was restored to its original form of 1582 City Hall stone building by its design and drawings.
Minsk has its "zero kilometer", where indicated the distance to the capitals of the neighboring countries and the country`s regional centers.
Many museums and theatres are also situated in Minsk. The Belarusian National Arts Museum is famous for its art collection; Yanka Kupala Literary Museum is about the life and creative work of national Belarusian poet. Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum is the biggest in the world which in full extent consecrates the tragic history of straggle against Nazism.
The theatrical life of the Belarusian capital is famous for National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Yanka Kupala National Drama Theatre and Maxim Gorky National Drama Theatre performances.
Minsk has a rich history: it was once the capital of principality of Minsk, the Belarusian People’s Republic, the capital of Lithuanian-Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic and the capital of Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic.
For the first time Minsk was mentioned in the year 1067 as the site where the Nemiga Battle had taken place. Minsk received its name from the name river Nemiga inflow – Menka. Over a long period of time the city was known as Mensk and only in July 29 of 1939 its name was changed to the final official name «Minsk». In 1991 there were attempts to return city its old name, but this proposal didn`t obtain the needed support among city deputies.
Modern Minsk proudly holds not only the title of the capital of the country, but it also has the title of Hero City. Minsk is the center of Minsk region and Minsk district, but it doesn`t a part of them. Minsk is a separate administrative area of Belarusian state. The Commonwealth of Independent States` headquarter is situated in Minsk, what undoubtedly make positive effect on the city`s status as a whole. Among cities of Common Economic Area Minsk is the third largest city.
Today Minsk is the modern economic, political, scientific and cultural center of the Republic of Belarus.
Minsk area is about 348.85 km². The population density of Minsk is 6,123 persons per km². According to 2012 population census 1,904,300 people live in Minsk. Over recent years the Minsk population has grown significantly. The great part of Minsk population form Belarusians and in Minsk live also such nationalities as Russian, Ukrainians, Poles, Lithuanians, Jews, Gypsies and others.
In administrative aspect the Belarusian capital has been divided into nine administrative regions: the Zavodskoy district, the Leninsky district, the Moskovsky district, the October district, the Partizansky district, the Pervomaysky district, the Soviet district, the Frunzensky district and the Central district.
Each district has its own characteristics and importance for the city. So the Zavodskoy district was formed in 1961. This district covers the entire south-eastern part of the city. The district`s area is about 2980 hectares, 233.5 hectares of which cover green areas and 200 hectares for water. All the Minsk labor resources are located in this district; therefore it`s got such a name.
The Leninsky district was founded in 1950. Leninsky district is situated at two banks of the river Svisloch to the Minsk ring road along Independence Avenue. The area of Leninsky district is about 1887 hectares, 202 of which are occupied for green areas and 93 hectares for water.
The Moskovsky district was established in 1977. This district occupies the south-western part of Minsk. The district’s total area is 1,800 hectares, but only 46,7 hectares of which only are for green space. There are 21 companies and 300 research institutes in the Moskovsky district. This district is full of sights.
The Partizansky district was also established in 1977. The district received its name in honor of the memory of the people`s heroic struggle in the Great Patriotic War. The Partizansky district is located at the eastern part of Minsk. On the territory of the Partizansky district there is the Slepyanskoe reservoir, where a lot of people take a rest in summer. On the district area there are also 16 enterprises and 4 research institutes. This district is full of large number of monuments in honor of the country`s heroic past.
As many others the Pervomaysky district was founded in 1977 and it occupies the northeastern part of the city. The total area of the district is about 2640 hectares, 500 hectares of which are for green spaces. The Pervomaysky district has such attractions as National Library of the Republic of Belarus, the film studio “Belarusfilm”. All the scientific and intellectual life of the city is situated in this district. The High-Tech Park and 12 industrial organizations are situated in this district. The other attraction of this district is the Botanical Garden.
The October district is considered to be the gate of Minsk, as the main highways are in this district. The date of foundation of this district is the year 1938, but the modern shape this district got only in 1977 as many others districts of the city. The October district occupied the southern part of Minsk. The area is about 2100 hectares, 518 of which are for green area. The October district is rich in historical past as well, because famous Belarusian writers as Maxim Bogdanovich and Zmitrok Byadulya have lived in this area. Architectural monument "Belaya Dacha" - the mansion of the 19th century - is also situated within this district.
The Soviet district was founded in 1938, but like all other districts a modern shape it got only in 1997. The entire northern part of Minsk is called the Soviet district. The area of this district is about 1300 hectares, 500 of which are occupied by green spaces.
The main attraction of the Soviet district is area is the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus. In this zone is high concentration of branches of the Minsk leading educational, as well as 13 industrial companies. The branches of higher educational institutions are also situated in this district as well as 13 industrial enterprises.
The Frunzensky district was founded in 1951 and was named in honor of M.V. Frunze. The Frunzensky district is the biggest district in the city. In this district 22 industrial and 11 construction enterprises are located. Also the Frunzensky district has a serious sport and health-improving base.
The Central district was formed in 1969 along the two sides of the river Svisloch and Komsomolskoe Lake. All the major attractions, which can tell a lot of the city`s history are situated in this district: The Trinity suburb, The Cathedral, The Eternal Flame in honor of the victory in Great Patriotic war and the Second World War and many others.
At the moment, the mayor of Minsk is Nikolai Ladutko. Each second Saturday of September Minsk celebrates the City Day with mass celebrations, festivals and fireworks.
The city has an extensive water-channel system and standing on the river Svisloch, but there are also such rivers as Nemiga Loshitsa, Cna and Myshka. All these rivers belong to the Black Sea basin.
The city has artesian springs from which drinking water is supplied to inhabitants.
The highest point in Minsk is 283 meters and it is situated on Leszchinskogo str., 8. The lowest point Minsk is 181.4 meters and is located in the Chizhovka micro district.
As for the Minsk climate it`s a moderate-continental with significant influence of Atlantic air masses. This means that summer in Minsk mostly warm but not hot and winter is mild. The average temperature in summer is about +19 °C, and in winter -5 °C. However it should be mentioned that the winter temperature is increasing little by little. The average humidity is 77% per year.
Minsk is the largest economic and industrial city of the Republic of Belarus. The city has such large enterprises as tractor plant, automobile plant, the factory of diesel engines and wheel tractors, machine-tool factory, watch factory, bicycle plant and many others.
The electronics industry is also well developed. Minsk has such manufacturers of electronic products as "Integral", "Horizon", a manufacturer of refrigerators and household appliances "Atlant", and the Belarusian radio-electronic plant. The largest electric transport manufacturer in the whole Commonwealth of Independent States is located in Minsk.
Despite the high concentration of industrial enterprises in the Belarusian capital, the municipal authorities regularly hold shares on air pollution by exhaust gases. Also at the time the city authorities are considering a draft bill according to which the entry on vehicles with non-environmental engines will be prohibited in the city center. It is also planned to take all the third class enterprises out of city.
Among well-known not only throughout the country but also in neighboring and other countries are the following food businesses that located in Minsk: brewery "Krynitsa" and "Olivaria" confectionery "Kommunarka" and "Slodych."
The most famous enterprises in textile industry are "Elema", “Milavitsa”, “Serge” and others.
It should be mentioned that in Minsk 23 higher educational institutions are concentrated, which are famous for the quality of its education.
So recently Belarusian State University was in the top 5 universities in IT specialists training, overtaking Moscow University. One of the best all over the country and far beyond its borders are considered the following universities such as Belarusian State University, Belarusian National Technical University, Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, Belarusian State Technological University, Belarusian State Academy of Music, Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, the Belarusian State Medical University and Minsk State Linguistic University.
Belarus is famous for its health system. So in Minsk there are a high concentration of medical institutions, including the consultative-diagnostic center, a plastic surgery and cosmetology center. In Minsk the Belarusian Republican Scientific and Practical Center is located on the base of 9th City Hospital, which is the only center for organ transplantation and skin grafting in the whole Republic of Belarus.
Minsk is not only a modern industrial and economic center of the country, but also its cultural center. The main sights of Minsk are the following: the Trinity Suburb (Old Town), Victory Square (symbol of eternal memory of the fallen in World War II), city churches (old and unique buildings), Independence Avenue and the National Library, which is made in the form of a large diamond as a symbol of the value of knowledge.
Since the Second World War Minsk was almost completely destroyed, that`s why the city had very little ancient architectural monuments. In Minsk architecture the socialist construction dominates, which blends harmoniously with the urban landscape.
The “City gates” is a good example of socialist construction in Minsk - an architectural complex of two high-rise 50-ies meters buildings of the 20 century. House of the Government is another admirable instance of soviet architecture. The neighbor of House of the Government is an architectural monument of the 19th century – the Church of Saints Simon and Helena. This church is the most famous landmark in the Minsk and is known under the name The Red Church. Another monument of the 19th century is the Trinity suburb, located near the Nemiga underground station. The Trinity suburb is a small piece of old town Mensk. It should be mentioned that during the heavy summer rainfalls the territory of Nemiga underground station id flooded by the river and it reminds one of the districts of Venice.
The upper town is a little in size, but there are some buildings of imperial times. The City Hall is considered to be the center of the town. The history of the Minsk City Hall is related to the Magdeburg Law. During wars the City Hall was destroyed several times, but it was restored to its original form of 1582 City Hall stone building by its design and drawings.
Minsk has its "zero kilometer", where indicated the distance to the capitals of the neighboring countries and the country`s regional centers.
Many museums and theatres are also situated in Minsk. The Belarusian National Arts Museum is famous for its art collection; Yanka Kupala Literary Museum is about the life and creative work of national Belarusian poet. Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum is the biggest in the world which in full extent consecrates the tragic history of straggle against Nazism.
The theatrical life of the Belarusian capital is famous for National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Yanka Kupala National Drama Theatre and Maxim Gorky National Drama Theatre performances.
