People
Nationality: Noun--Belarusian(s). Adjective--Belarusian.
Population (end of 2005): 9,750,500 (men 4,555,300; women 5,195,200). Urban 72.4%; rural 27.6%.
Population decline (2005): -49,600.
Ethnic groups: Belarusian (81.2%), Russian (11.4%), Polish (3.9%), Ukrainian (2.4%), Jewish (0.3%), other (0.8%).
Religions (2004 est.): Eastern Orthodox 80%, Catholic 14%, Protestant 2%, other (including Autocephalous Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim, and Krishna) 4%.
Languages: Belarusian and Russian (official).
Education: Literacy--98%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2005)--6.4/1,000. Life expectancy (2004)--69 years (men 63.2 years, women 75 years).
Work force (4.4 million): Industry--26.7%; agriculture and forestry--10.6%; construction--7.9%; transportation, communications--7.6%; trade, catering--12.2%; education--10.7%; other--24.3%.