Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mikhail KHVOSTOV
chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604
FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Karen B. STEWART
embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002
mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723
telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347, 217-7348
FAX: [375] (17) 234-7853
Flag description:
red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the
width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side
bears Belarusian national ornamentation in red
Economy Belarus
Economy - overview:
Belarus's economy in 2005 posted 8% growth. The government has
succeeded in lowering inflation over the past several years. Trade
with Russia - by far its largest single trade partner - decreased in
2005, largely as a result of a change in the way the Value Added Tax
(VAT) on trade was collected. Trade with European countries
increased. Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995,
when President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of
"market socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO
reimposed administrative controls over prices and currency exchange
rates and expanded the state's right to intervene in the management
of private enterprises. During 2005, the government re-nationalized
a number of private companies. In addition, businesses have been
subject to pressure by central and local governments, e.g.,
arbitrary changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections,
retroactive application of new business regulations, and arrests of
"disruptive" businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of
redistributive policies has helped those at the bottom of the
ladder; the Gini coefficient is among the lowest in the world.
Because of these restrictive economic policies, Belarus has had
trouble attracting foreign investment, which remains low. Growth has
been strong in recent years, despite the roadblocks in a tough,
centrally directed economy with a high, but decreasing, rate of
inflation. Belarus continues to receive heavily discounted oil and
natural gas from Russia. Much of Belarus' growth can be attributed
to the re-export of Russian oil at market prices.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$73.09 billion (2005 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$26.69 billion (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
9.2% (2005 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$7,100 (2005 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 9.3% industry: 31.6% services: 59.1% (2005 est.)