Baranovichi is not not a very big city with the population of about 175 thousand people and it is situated in the western part of the Republic of Belarus. Today Baranovichi is the eighth biggest city of Belarus with an advanced industry and culture. Yet, Baranovichi is young as it was founded only about a century and a third ago — in 1871. This year the citycelebrates its 132nd anniversary. Baranovichi district is not rich in natural resources. But it is a very important railway junction. There are many industrial enterprises connected with machinery, food and light industries, and others. There are a number of joint ventures such as Beltext and others where the specialists from Canada, the USA, Great Britain, work. Among architectural and historic monuments, one can see the Cathedral of Holy Protection of the Virgin with unique mosaics done after the drawings of famous Russian artists V. Vasnetsov and A. Rabushkin. Baranovichi grows and becomes younger and more beautiful with every year. Extensive construction is under way, especially in six dwelling areas the most picturesque of which is Severny. A big park is being grown here with several lakes. They are the first things tourists see when entering the town along the wide highway connecting the center of Baranovichi with the Brest – Moscow international highway, and pleasing the eye by their beauty and expense.