Five Largest Cities (Population) in Order: Minsk, Homel, Mahileu, Vicebsk, Hrodna
Population of Minsk: 1,959,781
Population of Other Cities Using Rank Size Rule: Homel - 979,891; Mahileu - 653,260; Vicebsk - 489,945; Hrodna - 391,956
Actual Population of Cities: Homel - 521,452; Mahileu - 378,077; Vicebsk - 368,574; Hrodna - 365,610
Population of Minsk: 1,959,781
Population of Other Cities Using Rank Size Rule: Homel - 979,891; Mahileu - 653,260; Vicebsk - 489,945; Hrodna - 391,956
Actual Population of Cities: Homel - 521,452; Mahileu - 378,077; Vicebsk - 368,574; Hrodna - 365,610
Belarus does not follow the rank size rule. The most populated city, Minsk, has a population over three times larger than the next most populous city, Homel. This is due to Belarus' location in Europe. European countries have had a history of developing one large urban and industrial center known as the primate city. Minsk was this city for Belarus when it was part of the Soviet Union. Today, Minsk serves as one of the most developed urban centers in the entire city with the best resources. This attracts both internal migrant and external ones from Southern and Eastern Europe. Minsk's status as a primate city will most likely continue as long as it maintains its rate of development.
Population: 9,570,376
Population Density: 46 people per square kilometer
% Population Urbanized: 76.7%
% Urban Population Living in Slums: N/A
Average % Change in Urban Population: 0.05%
% With Improved Urban Sanitation: 95.2%
% With Improved Urban Water Supply: 99.7%
Population Density: 46 people per square kilometer
% Population Urbanized: 76.7%
% Urban Population Living in Slums: N/A
Average % Change in Urban Population: 0.05%
% With Improved Urban Sanitation: 95.2%
% With Improved Urban Water Supply: 99.7%