Belarus in Eastern Europe is bordered by the countries of Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland. Minsk is the capital and most populous city in the country, and over 40% of the country’s total land area is covered by forests. Most of the country’s current borders took shape in 1939, after Polish lands were reintegrated to the country after Soviets invaded Poland and were finalized at the conclusion of WWII. Belarus declared its independence on 25 August 1991, during the dissolution of the USSR.

Belarus has been a member of the United Nations since its founding, and is a member of EEU, Commonwealth of Independent States, CSTO, and the Non-aligned Movement. The country does maintain a bilateral relationship with the European Union, although it shows no indication of wishing to become a member state. The country is regarded as a presidential republic which is governed by the President and National Assembly. Prior to 2004 the Constitution limited the Presidential term to a two-term maximum, which was eliminated under the 2004 Constitutional provisions.

Belarus has a judicial system that consists of a Constitutional Court, general courts and an economic court.  The General Court hears criminal cases, as well as civil cases based on civil, family, labor, housing and land disputes as long as they involve an individual.  Additionally, Intellectual Property measures are heard by the General courts.  General courts include district or city courts, as well as military courts, and the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus.  Economic Courts hear business disputes and entrepreneurial issues and activities. 

The National Law Review covers news and developments from Belarus; including coverage of US and internationally-imposed sanctions against the country, visa and immigration news, ADCV laws and penalties, and international trade relations, are among the topics covered by the National Law Review. Visitors can read about news directly from the country, as well as international affairs with European countries, and international affairs with the US.