Byerazino

Byerazino is a town in the Gomel Region of Belarus, serving as the administrative centre of Byerazino District. It lies in the southeastern part of the country and is roughly 270 kilometres south of Minsk. The town is situated near the Byerazina River, with geographic coordinates approximately 51°7′N latitude and 29°4′E longitude.

The first recorded mention of Byerazino dates to the late 16th century, when it was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Throughout the centuries it came under the influence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union. During World War II the town was occupied by Nazi Germany; local Jewish residents suffered persecution, and post‑war reconstruction involved rebuilding key infrastructure.

As of the most recent census, the population of Byerazino is about 8,900 residents. The ethnic makeup is predominantly Belarusian, with a significant Russian minority. Belarusian and Russian are the primary languages spoken. The local economy is largely based on agriculture, with crop cultivation and livestock rearing forming the economic backbone. Small-scale manufacturing and services also provide employment opportunities.

Byerazino is served by a regional railway line that connects it to larger urban centres, and it has road links to neighbouring towns. Public transport within the town includes buses and taxi services. The town hosts several educational institutions, including secondary schools and vocational training centres. Cultural life features a local history museum, a community theatre, and sports clubs that participate in regional competitions.