Belarus

Belarus is a landlocked republic that borders onto Russia, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. A former Soviet republic, Belarus retains close ties with Russia although it has been an independent state since the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The capital of Belarus is Minsk, which is also home to the country's main international airport (Minsk International Airport).

Home to around 10 million people, Belarus main exports centre on the oil and gas industries. Although it is often referred to as the last dictatorship in Europe, Belarus and its capital Minsk have much to offer for travellers in search of genuinely new and interesting experiences. Minsk's historic and Soviet-era architecture, clean streets and low crime levels provide a fascinating glimpse of a true Soviet city - quite unlike western European cities. It's not lacking in cultural attractions, either; Minsk also offers a wide range of music, ballet, museums and art galleries along with traditional restaurants and bars.

The Belarusian countryside is also worth visiting. Rustic farmhouses, unspoilt villages and traditional agriculture mean that a stay in rural Belarus is like travelling back in time. Some of the attractions outside Minsk include Mir Castle, a UNSECO Heritage site, Vitsebsk, a beautifully-preserved old town and the huge, Soviet-era fortress at Brest. Nature lovers can also visit a variety of parks and reserves, including Belavezhskaja Pushcha, Europe's oldest wildlife reserve and home to species such as bison, wolves and lynx.

Travelling to Belarus is not as difficult as you might think. There are direct flights from a range of UK airports to Minsk International Airport and there are specialist tour operators who will assist with arranging hotels and itineraries, should you wish.