Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). As the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is also the administrative centre of Minsk province and Minsk district.
There are many legends relating to the foundation of Minsk and the origin of its name. Situated on the watershed of the river-routes linking the Baltic to the Black sea, its trading history going back to prehistoric times some have thought that the city owes its name to the word miena or "barter". Others look at a hill-fort known as Haradysczy by Stroczyce, a "Skansen"-village, a few kilometers away on the west from the city on the banks of the river Menka, which flows to the river Pticz and on to join the Pripiat' and Dniapro. A heroic folk legend that a giant called Menesk or Mincz kept a mill on the banks of a river, and ground rock and stones to make flower for bread in order to feed the war-band he had assembled to protect his settlement, and safeguard its prosperity. This depended, no doubt, on the portage of goods between the headwaters of Pripiat, Dniapro, and Nioman. So Menesk -- later Mensk -- came into being. The reference to "stone-flour" can allude to kneading and baking of potters clay used in brick-making and ceramics industry, which from the earliest times flourished in the area. There was no lack of wood to fire the kilns.
This humid, damp city has precipitation on most days of the year, with wet summers and snowy winters. The climate in Minsk is, however, moderate with an average January temperature of -6°C (21°F) and an average July temperature of18°C (64°F). Winters are mild, with snow, while summers are warm and usually damp; two thirds of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months. May to September is the warmest time of year. Fog is common during the autumn and spring.
The Minsk economy is based on the richest scientific, technological and industrial potential. The industrial complex is based on mechanical engineering and metal working industries, electricity, food industry consumer goods industry, woodworking and forestry, chemical and petrochemical industries. The main export goods are tractors, metalworking tools, trucks, trailers and semitrailers, household refrigerators and deep-freeze cabinets, TV-sets, bearings, flagstones, and corsetry. Goods produced in Minsk are exported to more than 100 countries.
School education is divided into three levels: primary (4 years), basic (9 years) and secondary (11 years). The Belarussian system of higher education includes educational, research and governing institutions that use unified official standards and rules in the processes of teaching, management, assessment and research. Higher education is provided by public (State) and private (non-State) accredited higher education institutions (HEIs). Now, the implementation of the two-level system of higher education is underway and comprises a Baklavar in 4 years and a Master or Specialist Diploma in one to two years depending on the field of study. Belarusian State University. Major Belarusian universal university, founded in 1921.
The best way to get around Minsk is on the fast, efficient and extremely clean Metro system. It does tend to be very crowded however. To access places not served by the Metro there is a good system of trams, buses and trolley buses. It is wise to avoid peak hours. Taxis tend to be expensive, and should be booked by telephone from reliable, official operators. Taxis flagged in the street tend to be private and may rip off unsuspecting visitors. State taxis are yellow, and are metered. Drivers prefer to negotiate fares before you board.
The cultural scene in Minsk is very diverse with the Belarusian Ballet and good museums such as the National Museum of Belarusian History and Culture, the National Arts Museum, the Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War and the Museum of Old Belarusian Culture. Other interesting museums deal with the major Belarusian writers, Kolas, Kupala, Bogdanovich and Brovka. Icons form a large part of the National Gallery.
One of Minsk's only remaining historic buildings, the Cathedral of the Holy Ghost dates back to 1642 when it was built as a convent for Bernadine nuns. Like the city itself, the Cathedral has a chequered history, damaged by fire in 1741, turned into a monastery, and ultimately closed down by the Bolsheviks. Today it is once again open for services and visitors, and is one of the city's prime attractions with its remarkable collection of icons from the Moscow Academic School. The collection includes the Icon of the Mother of God, according to legend discovered in the river in Minsk in 1500, allegedly made by St Luke the Evangelist.
For all the fun of the fair, old-fashioned style, visit the Chelyuskinites Amusement Park in the city centre of Minsk. Established in 1932 and little changed since, it is a far cry from Disneyland, but there is plenty of fun to be had on rides like a Ferris wheel and roller-coaster, and one can rent radio-controlled planes to play with (the park is named after a famous Belarussian pilot). Alongside the park is a very pleasant Botanical Garden to stroll through.
There are numerous festivals, celebrations, and events in Minsk throughout the year that can be enjoyed.
