Country
Population
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus. It’s located in the central part of the country. Minsk is among the oldest cities in Eastern Europe and is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. Minsk is renowned for its influence on the Eastern European region. It is famous for its stunning architecture dating back to the Soviet era, and modern buildings that stand side by side to complement each other. Some of the places that make it famous include Victory Square, Independence Square, the National Library of Belarus and Minsk City Hall.
Census in Belarus is done after every 10 years and 2009 was the last time that it was conducted. The next census is scheduled for 2019 in Belarus. According to the 2009 census, Minsk had a population of 1,836,808. Minsk is considered to be more ethnically diverse than other cities in Belarus with a significant number of Russians, Ukrainians and Poles. According to the 2009 census, 86% of the population identifies as Belarusian, 8% as Russian, and smaller percentages as Ukrainian, Polish, and other ethnicities. Minsk is also religiously diverse, with a majority of the population identifying as Orthodox Christian, but also significant Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities. The city is well known for its multilingual population, with the majority of residents speaking Belarusian and Russian, and many also speaking English, Polish and other languages. Minsk is also famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Independence Square and the National Library of Belarus.
The administration of Minsk is divided into 9 districts, each with its own local government. The citywide administration is coordinated by the Minsk City Executive Committee, which is appointed by the President of Belarus. The executive committee is responsible for strategic planning, public services, most aspects of transport and economic development. On the other hand, the local district authorities are responsible for local services not overseen by the executive committee, such as local planning, schools, social services, local roads and refuse collection.
Minsk has a strong and diverse economy, with a focus on manufacturing and services. The city is a major centre for industries such as automotive, electronics, and food processing. It also has a vibrant IT sector, with a number of major tech companies based in the city. Minsk's GDP is estimated to be about 46% of the total GDP of Belarus. The city also has a thriving retail sector, with a wide range of shops and markets selling everything from local produce to luxury goods.
Minsk is well known for its comprehensive and efficient public transport system, which includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The city also has a well-developed road network, and is served by two airports. The city's infrastructure plan includes further improvements to public transport, as well as investments in energy, water and sewerage infrastructure, and digital connectivity. Business is particularly concerned at the lack of capacity in digital infrastructure, with the take-up of high speed broadband by business being low compared to other European cities.