10. The Pepublic of Belarus. Some facts of the history and cultural life.

At the beginning of the 20th century Belarus was a backward province of the Russian Empire — called the North-Western region. About 80 per cent of its population were illiterate. The Belarusians were not even regarded as a nation at that time. After the Revolution in 1917 Belarus was proclaimed the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic and soon became a member of the USSR.

During World War II Belarus suffered greatly. It lost more than half of its national wealth. The fascists killed every fourth person living there. But despite all this, Belarus has restored its cities, rebuilt its economy. Modern Minsk is a city of numerous plants and factories, modern buildings, tree-lined streets. Beautiful parks and gardens. It is also a big traffic centre with a large network of railways, roads, airlines and two Metro lines.

Belarus is a republic of well developed science and culture. There is an Academy of Sciences, 37 state higher educational establishments, about 400 professional schools. Secondary education is compulsory here.

The cultural life of the people in the Belorussian capital is varied and interesting. In Minsk there are 11 theatres, a number of concret halls, a circus, dozens of cinemas, many places of culture, libraries and clubs. The most famous theatres are the National Academiс Opera Theatre, the National Academic Ballet Theatre, the Gorky Russian Drama Theatre.

11. The Pepublic of Belarus. Minsk.

Modern Minsk is a city of numerous plants and factories, modern buildings, tree-lined streets. Beautiful parks and gardens. It is also a big traffic centre with a large network of railways, roads, airlines and two Metro lines. Minsk has a highly developed industry.

The cultural life of the people in the Belorussian capital is varied and interesting. In Minsk there are 11 theatres, a number of concret halls, a circus, dozens of cinemas, many places of culture, libraries and clubs. The most famous theatres are the National Academiс Opera Theatre, the National Academic Ballet Theatre, National Ya.Kupala Theatre, the Gorky Russian Drama Theatre.

Minsk is the capital of the Republiс of Belarus, its political, economic, scientific and cultural centre. It is one of the most beautiful cities in our republic. A lot of tourists from our country and abroad come to Minsk to see its sights.