Belarus has gone through some significant changes since its independence in 1991. From the Soviet Union, Belarus has transformed its economy. In this article, you will find out what it is like to live there and how the cost of living compares to other countries around the world.
History of Belarus
Belarus is a landlocked country in northern Eurasia. The capital and largest city are Minsk. Belarus gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The history of Belarus dates back more than 2,000 years to when it was part of the Kievan Rus’ federation.
Belarus became part of the Russian Empire in 1793. In 1918, the Belarusian People’s Republic was established as a republic within the Russian Empire. The republic lasted until 1939 when it was annexed by the Soviet Union.
After World War II, Belarus became an independent republic once again. The republic lasted until 1991 when it gained independence from the Soviet Union. Since gaining independence, Belarus has struggled with economic problems and political instability. In March 2009, President Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected to a fifth term in office with 80% of the vote.
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Benefits of Living in Belarus
- Extremely affordable cost of living.
In Belarus, the cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe, and even lower than in some Central European countries. Accommodation, food, transportation, and other necessities are all quite affordable when compared to other Western European countries.
- Attractive Climate and Landscapes:
Belarus has several attractive landscapes – its forests, lakes, rivers, and hills – that make for beautiful photos and videos. The climate is also very tolerable year-round, making it an ideal place to live if you’re looking for somewhere to escape the cold winters in Europe or North America.
- Excellent Healthcare System.
In Belarus, healthcare is available at a fraction of the price of comparable Western systems. This is especially beneficial to ex-pats who may need medical help from time to time while living in Belarus.
- Low Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Belarus is low compared to many other countries in Europe. The cost of living in Belarus is one-fifth the cost of living in the United States.
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Gross Domestic Product of Belarus
Belarus has a GDP of $39 billion as of 2016. This is a decrease from $41 billion in 2015. The GDP per capita is $7,900. This ranks Belarus 138th in the world.
The main industries in Belarus are agriculture and manufacturing. The agricultural sector accounts for 45% of the GDP and employs about 60% of the workforce. The manufacturing sector employs about 25% of the workforce and accounts for 28% of the GDP.
The main exports are crude oil, fertilizers, food products, machinery and equipment, and electrical equipment. The main imports are machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, and other materials.
Different Costs of Living in Belarus
Cost of Transportation
Belarus has a population of 9.5 million people, and the cost of living is high. Transportation is the second largest expense after housing. The average price of gasoline in Belarus is €0.96 per liter, more than three times the price in the US. A liter of gasoline costs €2.97 in Belarus, which is more than four times the price in the US. Gasoline is also expensive in other countries in Central Europe.
The cost of public transportation is high, and it’s not always reliable or convenient to use. The buses are often old and run on dirty diesel fuel. The trains are better, but they’re also expensive, and most people don’t have access to them because they’re not reliable or convenient to use during rush hour.
People in Belarus usually have to rely on taxis to get around town. Taxis are expensive, and they often don’t have meters that work properly. Drivers often take advantage of tourists by charging unreasonable rates.
Cost of Feeding
In Belarus, the average monthly salary is just over $500, which leaves little money left over for food. The cost of living in Belarus is one of the highest in Europe.
To make matters worse, the price of food has increased dramatically in recent years. The cost of meat, dairy products, and vegetables has all increased by at least 50%, while the price of bread has more than doubled.
To make matters even worse, many people are unable to afford to buy any food at all. According to a recent report by the World Bank, nearly 50% of Belarusians live below the poverty line, and nearly 30% suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Fortunately, there are some ways that you can save money on food in Belarus. For example, you can cook your meals from scratch using simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Or you can try to find cheaper alternatives to popular food items such as meat and dairy products.
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Cost of Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Belarus can be quite high, depending on which type of accommodation you choose. The cheapest option is to find a room on Airbnb or similar services. This can be a great way to save money, but make sure you are aware of the security concerns that come with renting an apartment or room from a stranger.
Another option is to stay in a hotel. Hotels can be expensive, but they often offer great discounts during busy tourist seasons. It is important to remember that many hotels in Belarus add significant surcharges for parking, check-in time, and other amenities.
If you are planning to stay for an extended period, it may be worth looking into renting an apartment or house. This will give you more flexibility and control over your living situation, but it will also cost more than staying in a hotel.
Cost of Healthcare
Healthcare in Belarus is relatively affordable when compared to other European countries. For example, the monthly cost of a private room in a hospital with private insurance coverage ranges from €60-80, while a month’s stay in Germany would cost around €200-300. However, healthcare is not free and patients are expected to pay for most services.
There are many ways that patients can pay for healthcare in Belarus. Patients can purchase private health insurance, which covers most medical costs, or they can receive government assistance through social security schemes. Patients who cannot afford to pay for healthcare may be eligible for free or discounted care through public hospitals or clinics.
Cost of Insurance
Living in Belarus can be expensive if you want to purchase insurance. The cost of insurance varies depending on the type of policy you buy, but the average cost is around $50 per year. You can also expect to pay more if you live in a large city.
If you have health insurance, you will most likely be required to pay a yearly premium and receive a discounted rate for comprehensive coverage. If you don’t have health insurance, you can expect to pay a monthly premium and receive a reduced rate for basic coverage.
It’s important to do your research when purchasing insurance in Belarus because the prices can vary significantly from one company to another. Talk to several companies and compare rates before making a decision.
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Conclusion:
Belarus is a relatively inexpensive country to live in, especially when compared to other European countries. Food, clothing, and transportation are all relatively affordable, which makes it easy to live a comfortable lifestyle on a budget. If you’re looking for an affordable place to call home and want to experience European culture without breaking the bank, Belarus is worth considering.