2018 marks the 80th anniversary of the formation of Vitebsk Region

2018 marks the 80th anniversary of the formation of Vitebsk Region

Vitebsk Region is the northernmost region of Belarus, located in the middle course of the Western Dvina and the upper reaches of the Dnieper. To the east, it borders Smolensk Region, to the north – Pskov Region of the Russian Federation, to the northwest – Latvia, to the west – Lithuania and Grodno Region, to the south – Minsk and Mogilev Regions of the Republic of Belarus. Its length from east to west is more than 300 km, from north to south – 175 km.

Due to the abundance of lakes (about 2.8 thousand) and rivers (513), Vitebsk Region is called “Belarusian Switzerland,” the “blue pearl” of the country. It is famous for its unique picturesque nature, extensive forest areas, and well-preserved natural wetlands. It is characterized by a rich, diverse animal and plant world, and a large number of natural monuments and protected areas. 26 nature reserves of national importance have been created here, and 78 objects have been declared natural monuments.

Vitebsk Region is a developed industrial region of Belarus. Products from Vitebsk manufacturers are supplied to dozens of countries around the world. The main industrial sectors in terms of republican production volumes are: fuel, electric power, food, light, chemical, and petrochemical industries.

The agriculture of the region provides the region with food products, and the processing industry with raw materials. The region specializes in the production of milk, pork, poultry, and the cultivation of flax, grain, and vegetables.

The subsoil of Vitebsk Region is rich in minerals, including dolomite, clay, peat, sand, and mineral waters.

Vitebsk land is famous for the names that constitute the pride of Slavic and world culture (educator Euphrosyne of Polotsk, humanist Francysk Skaryna, philosopher and educator Simeon of Polotsk, artists Yazep Drozdovich, Marc Chagall, Mikhail Savitsky, writers and poets Jan Barszczewski, Mikhas Lynkov, Petrus Brovka, Vasil Bykov, Vladimir Korotkevich, physicist Zhores Alferov, and others).

Vitebsk Region is the birthplace of the famous international arts festival “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk.”

The powerful economic and cultural potential, advantageous location in close proximity to the markets of the European Union and the Russian Federation, a developed network of transport communications, and a high potential of scientific and technical personnel make the region attractive for domestic and foreign business partners.

Based on the accumulated human and production potential, the region will continue to multiply its glory and authority.