Every year, thousands of people from all over
the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different
skills and the hope of contributing to a new society. This website has
been written to help Canadians welcome newcomers from Belarus. Perhaps
you are hosting a Belarusian family as part of the HOST Program, learning
about Belarusian newcomers in school or working with Belarusians who have
settled in Canada recently. |
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Belarusians have been emigrating to Canada for
many years. Recently, economic and political instability in Belarus has
led to increased emigration. Many Belarusians who come to Canada are highly
educated and skilled. When they arrive, they sometimes have difficulty
finding work, learning the language, or receiving recognition for their
professional qualifications.
Like all new immigrants, Belarusians will
find much in Canada that is new and strange. They come from a country emerging
from decades of Communist rule. They have lived through difficult economic
times. You can help them to adjust better if you know enough about their
country to appreciate the differences between Belarus and Canada. Having
a sense of their culture and customs will give you some insight into the
lives of your new friends. |
Did you know? |
The
literal translation of Belarus is "White Russia," after the ancient term
"Belaya Rus." The "white"may refer to the beauty of the birch forests or
to the snow that blankets the earth every year. Another explanation is
that in ancient times the word "white" meant free, in the sense of free
from conquering invaders. |
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Although this cultural profile provides insight
into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs described
may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from Belarus.
Summary Fact Sheet |
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Official
Name |
Belarus |
Capital
City |
Minsk |
Type of
Government |
Presidential Republic |
Population |
10.3 million |
Area |
207,600 sq. km |
Major
Ethnic Groups |
Belarusian, Russian |
Languages |
Belarusian, Russian |
Religion |
Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Roman
Catholicism |
Unit of
Currency |
Ruble |
National
Flag |
Top two-thirds red, bottom third green,
with a vertical white band on the hoist side bearing a pattern of red diamonds. |
Date of
Independence |
July 27, 2021 |
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Did you know? |
Belarus
is the country's name in the Belarusian language. During the Soviet era,
the area was known as Byelorussia, which is the same word, but in the Russian
language. |
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Did you know? |
When
Belarus first became independent in 1991, it adopted a new red and white
flag. In 1995, it reverted to the flag of the former Byelorussian Soviet
Socialist Republic following a referendum called by the President, Alyksandr
Lukashenko. |
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