Capital of Belarus: Minsk
The capital of Belarus is Minsk. Belarus sits in Europe, has a population of 9,534,954, and uses the BYN. Official languages include Belarusian, Russian.
Quick facts
- Capital: Minsk
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~9,534,954
- Area: 207,600 km²
- Population density: 45.9 people per km²
- Official languages: Belarusian, Russian
- Currency: BYN
- ISO code: BY
How big is Belarus?
By population, Belarus ranks 96th in the world, holding roughly 0.12% of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 84th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Belarus has 45.9 people per square kilometre, which is about 1.3 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Europe, Belarus is the 17th most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Belarus in population are United Arab Emirates (9,441,129) and Tajikistan (9,952,787).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Guyana (214,969 km²) and Kyrgyzstan (199,951 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Belarusian is listed as an official language of Belarus alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Belarus uses the BYN, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Belarus in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Europe is the block Belarus belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Belarus and a page on the flag of Belarus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Belarus?
The capital of Belarus is Minsk.
What is the population of Belarus?
About 9,534,954, making it the 96th most populous country in the world.
How big is Belarus?
207,600 square kilometres, ranking 84th by land area, at a density of 45.9 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Belarus use?
The BYN, which no other country uses.