Belarus officially the Republic of Belarus, formerly known by its Russian name Byelorussia or Belorussia, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital and the most populous city is Minsk. Over 40% of its 207,600 square kilometres (80,200 sq mi) is forested. Its major economic sectors are service industries and manufacturing. Until the 20th century, different states at various times controlled the lands of modern-day Belarus, including the Principality of Polotsk, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Russian Empire.Belarus is a country with a well-developed transport system therefore if you intend to go to Belarus without the assistance of a travel agency, you can put together your own route and choose the most convenient way of transport.Travelling by railroad is one of the most comfortable and reliable options. Railroads inside the country can get you to over 2,100 destinations.Belarusian Railways offers a convenient format of passenger transport: In Belarus, there are 20 major railway stations with a well-developed infrastructure and services for passengers.You can travel about Belarus on a bus or a minibus.You can travel along the famous Augustow Canal on board of a 12-passenger water bus: it is faster than a motor ship, can handle sluicing easier, and produces less noise.In Minsk and other towns and cities of Belarus, you can use mass transit systems.Belarus’ only metro is located in Minsk.