Useful Language Tips for Your Visit to Minsk

Belarus, lying at the edge of Eastern Europe, bordering Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, is one of the last countries in Europe free from adverts, graffiti, or litter. Sitting somewhere between Soviet communism and modern Europe, its capital city, Minsk is a fascinating place, but can often be a struggle to get to grips with, particularly if you don't speak Russian. 80% of the population speaks Russian, while only 11% - typically the older generation - speak Belarusian. Here are some handy linguistic pointers for day-to-day life in this truly unique metropolis.