Belarus re-elects Lukashenko as president

Late last year in October, Belarus – a former Soviet republic, re-elected Alexander Lukashenko to another 5 year term as president.  Lukashenko, 61, a pro-Russia autocrat has been president of Belarus since July 1994.  During the election this past October, Lukashenko received more than 80% of the vote.

Located east of Poland and north of Ukraine, Belarus has a population of nearly 10 million.  The country is dependent on Russia for financial and political support.  Russia provides Belarus with loans and inexpensive gas and oil.  In 1991, Belarus gained independence from Russia.  Belarus has had a closer economic and political partnership with Russia than any other former Soviet republic.
Facts about Belarus:
Population: 9,589,689 (July 2015 est.)
Area: 207,600 sq. km (Slightly smaller than Kansas)
Capital: Minsk
Major Language: Russian (official) 70.2%, Belarusian (official) 23.4%
Sources: “Belarus President Wins Vote” by James Marson, The Wall Street Journal, October 12, 2015.
www.bbc.com, www.cia.gov/

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