Polesie Lowland

The Polesie Lowland spans the entirety of southern Belarus, accounting for approximately 30 percent of the national territory. Centered around the massive drainage basin of the Pripyat River, it constitutes the largest contiguous wetland and low-moor peatland ecosystem in Europe. The relief here is flat to an extent that is almost devoid of perceptible elevation changes; the average altitude hovers consistently in an extremely low range of 110 to 130 meters above sea level. Geologically, this lowland lies within the Pripyat Trough, a deep tectonic crustal depression. During and following the Ice Ages, this deep basin filled with glacial meltwaters to form a massive, shallow inland sea, which eventually silted up to become today's swampy landscape. The soils are predominantly composed of leached sand, peat, and massive accumulations of marsh mud. Even though massive networks of drainage canals (melioration) were constructed during the Soviet era, large tracts of the Pripyat Marshes remain almost completely inundated during the spring flood months.

Nearby cities

Minsk

Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, situated on the Svislach and the Nyamiha rivers.

Minsk Upper Town

The Upper Town is the historical heart of Minsk, characterized by 16th to 19th-century architecture.

Babruysk

Babruysk is a major industrial center located on the Berezina River.

Baranovichi

Baranovichi is a crucial railway junction in western Belarus.

Pinsk

Pinsk is considered the heart of the Polesia region, situated at the confluence of the Pina and Pripyat rivers.

Mozyr

Mozyr is situated on picturesque hills along the Pripyat River in southern Belarus.

Soligorsk

Soligorsk is one of the youngest cities in the country, founded as a mining town.

Svetlogorsk

Svetlogorsk is an industrial city located on the Berezina River.

Slutsk

Slutsk is historically famous for the production of Slutsk belts, which were a symbol of Belarusian nobility.

Historic Slutsk

Slutsk was famous for its manufactories where the precious Slutsk belts were woven.

Kobrin

Kobrin is located in southwestern Belarus on the Mukhavets River.

Slonim

Slonim is one of the oldest cities in western Belarus, with a rich Jewish and Polish heritage.

Vawkavysk

Vawkavysk is a historic city in western Belarus.

Kalinkavichy

Kalinkavichy is a major railway junction in the Gomel Region.

Dzyarzhynsk

Dzyarzhynsk is located west of Minsk and is named after Feliks Dzerzhinsky.