List of Belarus Districts and Regions

Belarus is divided into six regions (voblasts), each comprising numerous districts that serve as the fundamental administrative units of local governance. These districts vary widely in historical significance, economic activity, cultural heritage, and geographic landscape. The following article provides a structured, region-by-region overview based on the full list of districts you supplied, offering context and insights suitable for long-form reference or publication.


1. Brest Region

The Brest Region occupies the southwestern part of Belarus and is known for its fertile agricultural lands, historic fortifications, and strong cross-border connections with Poland and Ukraine. Its districts include important economic and transportation hubs as well as rural cultural centers.

Key Districts

  • Baranavichy District – Centered around Baranavichy, a major railway junction and industrial city.
  • Brest District – Surrounds the regional capital Brest, famed for the Brest Fortress and strategic border location.
  • Byaroza District – Known for its scenic lakes and monastic heritage.
  • Drahichyn, Hantsavichy, Ivanava, Ivatsevichy Districts – Primarily agricultural with developing small-industry sectors.
  • Kamyenyets District – Home to the historic White Tower of Kamyenyets.
  • Kobryn District – Notable for waterways connected to the Dnieper–Bug Canal.
  • Luninyets and Lyakhavichy Districts – Regions with diversified farming and food-processing activities.
  • Malaryta District – Located near the Ukrainian border, rich in protected natural zones.
  • Pinsk District – Encompasses wetlands of Polesia, with Pinsk as a historical river port.
  • Pruzhany and Stolin Districts – Known for nature reserves, wooden architecture, and marshland culture.
  • Zhabinka District – Industrially significant due to sugar production and transport routes.

2. Gomel (Homiel) Region

The Gomel Region spans the southeastern territories of Belarus and features a mix of industrial zones, riverine trade centers, and large forestry areas. Several districts were affected by the Chernobyl disaster, shaping demographic and economic patterns.

Key Districts

  • Aktsyabrski and Brahin Districts – Rural regions influenced by post-Chernobyl rehabilitation programs.
  • Buda-Kashalyova and Chachersk Districts – Known for pottery traditions and historical fortifications.
  • Dobrush District – Hosts significant paper manufacturing industries.
  • Gomel District – Surrounds the region’s largest city and industrial powerhouse.
  • Yelsk, Kalinkavichy, Karma Districts – Characterized by mixed agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.
  • Khoiniki and Narowlya Districts – Includes areas of restricted use due to radioactive contamination.
  • Loyew District – A historically strategic settlement by the Dnieper River.
  • Mazyr District – Industrially prominent with oil refining and petrochemicals.
  • Pyetrykaw and Rahachow Districts – Agricultural districts with cultural landmarks.
  • Rechytsa District – Major center for petroleum extraction.
  • Svyetlahorsk District – Noted for its chemical-processing industries.
  • Vyetka and Zhlobin Districts – Known for folk art (Vyetka) and steel production (Zhlobin).
  • Zhytkavichy District – Features the Pripyat National Park and unique Polesian heritage.

3. Grodno (Hrodna) Region

Situated in the northwest, the Grodno Region blends medieval architectural treasures, diverse ethnic communities, and fertile farmlands. Its districts reflect both historical legacies and modern economic development.

Key Districts

  • Ashmyany and Astravyets Districts – Rich in cultural heritage, with Astravyets also hosting Belarus’s nuclear power plant.
  • Byerastavitsa and Dzyatlava Districts – Communities known for mixed Belarusian-Polish traditions.
  • Grodno District – Surrounds the regional capital, a major cultural and tourism hub.
  • Iwye and Karelichy Districts – Known for religious diversity and historical settlements.
  • Lida District – Features the famous Lida Castle and strong manufacturing base.
  • Masty, Novogrudok, Shchuchyn, Slonim Districts – Areas with preserved medieval towns and active agricultural sectors.
  • Smarhon District – Birthplace of the famous “bear school” tradition in the 18th century.
  • Svislach, Vawkavysk, Voranava, Zelva Districts – Rural towns with deep historical roots and tourism potential.

4. Minsk Region

Encircling the national capital (though administratively separate), the Minsk Region is the administrative and economic heartland of the country. It features advanced industry, robust transportation networks, and numerous cultural landmarks.

Key Districts

  • Barysaw District – A major logistics and industrial center.
  • Byerazino, Chervyen, Dzyarzhynsk Districts – Known for agriculture, woodworking, and historical estates.
  • Kapyl, Klyetsk, Krupki Districts – Traditional rural regions with developing processing industries.
  • Lahoysk District – Hosts ski resorts and archaeological sites.
  • Lyuban, Maladzyechna, Minsk Districts – Strong industrial infrastructure and urbanized landscapes.
  • Myadzyel District – Contains the lake resort zone around the Narach region.
  • Nyasvizh District – Home to the UNESCO-listed Nesvizh Castle.
  • Pukhavichy, Salihorsk, Slutsk Districts – Important for potash mining (Salihorsk) and ancient Belarusian crafts (Slutsk).
  • Smalyavichy, Staryya Darohi, Stowbtsy Districts – Growing industrial-agricultural nodes.
  • Uzda, Valozhyn, Vileyka Districts – Rich natural parks, reservoirs, and rural tourism opportunities.

5. Mogilev (Mahiliou) Region

Located in the east, the Mogilev Region blends agricultural landscapes with major industrial cities. Many districts contain significant historical monuments and Soviet-era industrial plants.

Key Districts

  • Asipovichy and Babruysk Districts – Industrial centers with machinery and rubber production.
  • Byalynichy, Bykhaw, Chavusy Districts – Known for traditional crafts and wartime history.
  • Cherykaw and Drybin Districts – Areas with distinct folk traditions, including the unique “Drybin comb-making” craft.
  • Hlusk, Horki Districts – Hosts the Belarusian Agricultural Academy in Horki.
  • Kastsyukovichy, Khotsimsk, Kirawsk Districts – Mixed farming regions with local cultural festivals.
  • Klichaw, Klimavichy, Krasnapollye Districts – Rural districts with forestry and agricultural significance.
  • Kruhlaye and Krychaw Districts – Known for mineral resources and historic battle sites.
  • Mogilev District – Surrounds the region’s administrative and industrial center.
  • Mstsislaw and Shklow Districts – Home to medieval fortresses and cultural landmarks.
  • Slawharad District – Noted for natural springs and ancient Slavic settlements.

6. Vitebsk (Vitsyebsk) Region

The northernmost region of Belarus, Vitebsk is known for its lakes, forests, and rich artistic traditions, including associations with the painter Marc Chagall. Many districts are popular destinations for eco-tourism.

Key Districts

  • Beshankovichy and Braslaw Districts – Features the Braslaw Lakes, one of Belarus’s prime natural attractions.
  • Chashniki, Dokshytsy, Dubrowna Districts – Strong agricultural bases with developing rural tourism.
  • Haradok and Hlybokaye Districts – Centers of cultural festivals and lake tourism.
  • Lyepyel and Lyozna Districts – Forested districts with sanatoriums and recreational infrastructure.
  • Miory, Orsha, Pastavy Districts – Economically diverse, with Orsha being a major transport junction.
  • Polotsk District – Home to Polotsk, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe.
  • Rasony and Sharkawshchyna Districts – Known for national parks and pristine natural reserves.
  • Shumilina District – A landscape of rivers, forests, and traditional villages.

List of Belarus Districts and Regions
Belarus Districts and Regions

The administrative geography of Belarus reflects centuries of historical evolution, diverse cultural influences, and dynamic economic development. Each district contributes distinct attributes—from industrial capacity and trade infrastructure to natural beauty and deeply rooted traditions. Understanding these districts in a regional framework offers valuable insight into Belarus’s social fabric, economic landscape, and cultural identity.