Minsk (pop. 1,741,400) is the capital and largest city of Belarus. It lies on the Svisloch River. Factories in Minsk produce chemicals, machine tools, motor vehicle components, and processed foods. Minsk is the home of Belarus State University and many other institutes of higher education. Its cultural attractions include the National Museum of Belarus, the State Arts Museum, and several theaters.
Minsk first appears in historical records in 1067. It was part of Lithuania and Poland from the 1300’s until 1793, when Russia took control. Minsk suffered heavy damage during World War II (1939-1945). After the war, the city was rebuilt and modernized. In 1991, Minsk became the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States, an organization of nations that were formerly republics of the Soviet Union.
