International student Regina Yarotskaya, studying at Nazareth as part of the IREX program, gave a presentation to the Pittsford Rotary in January on her homeland, Belarus. Her presentation, which touched on Belarus’s culture, economy, and geography, received a standing ovation. Later that month, another Nazareth student, Jigme Sherpa of Nepal, also presented a lecture to the Rotary on his homeland. Congratulations to Regina and Jigme on giving Rochesterians a better understanding of their beautiful native lands.

Fast Facts

Belarus

• Capital: Minsk
• Official languages: Belarusian, Russian
• Government: presidential republic
• Independence (from Soviet Union): 1991
• Population: 9.6 million
• Largest exports: heavy machinery, agricultural products, energy products
• Geography: Belarus is flat and landlocked. 40 percent is covered with forest, and it holds more than 11,000 lakes.

Nepal

• Capital: Kathmandu
• Official language: Nepali
• Government: republic
• Population: 29 million
• Chief exports: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain
• Geography: Nepal contains five climatic zones, from tropical to arctic; and eight of the world's top ten highest peaks, including Everest (on the border with Tibet).