Belarus| Population: | 9,724,723 |
|---|---|
| Area: | 80,155 sq. miles |
| Location: | Europe |
| Capital: | Minsk |
| Language(s): | Belarusian, Russian |
| Winter Olympic Debut: | 1994 |
Belarus is a landlocked republic located in northeastern Europe bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west and Lithuania and Latvia to the north. Formerly a conservative member of the Soviet Union, Belarus never actively sought independence, which it declared August 1991. It became an independent state later that year when the USSR disbanded. Belarus joined the United Nations in 1992.
Belarus competed as an independent nation at the past four Winter Games. Prior to that, it competed for the Soviet Union until 1988 and the Unified Team in 1992. Belarus has won six Olympic medals, three of which have come in men's freestyle aerials.
Belarus again has several medal contenders in freestyle skiing, particularly in aerials.
Images of the Parade of Nations at the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Images of the U.S. delegation at the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 12.
