ABOUT BELARUS
Official name: Republic of Belarus
Capital: Minsk
Official languages: Belarussian and Russian
location: Eastern Europe
Border countries: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Population: about 10 million people
Religions: Russian Ortodox (80 %), Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim
Time zone: GMT+2
Administrative divisions: 6 Regions (Oblast) with administrative centers in Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno and Mogilev.
ABOUT BREST
Location: Southwestern Belarus, on the right bank of the western river Bug
First mentioned: 1019 as Berestye
How to get to Brest: The best option is to fly to Minsk and take the train to Brest ($10-30US) that runs every 2-3 hours and takes about 4-5 hours.
Local public transport: Regular bus, trolley bus and private minivan taxi ("marshrutka") services available from 5:50a.m. to 11.30p.m.
Locals: Tolerant and well-wishing people, friendly atmosphere, low crime-rate
