More than 80% of Belarusians feel themselves citizens of sovereign and independent Belarus

More than 80% of Belarusians feel that they are citizens of Belarus, a sovereign and independent country. This was stated by the Director of the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences Nikolai Myslivets, presenting the results of the republican sociological research, which relate to socio-political topics, the correspondent of the agency “Minsk-Novosti”.

According to BelTA, to the question “Who do you feel first?” 81.7% of respondents answered that citizens of Belarus, 11.8% - residents of their city, village or village, 4.1% - citizens of the world, 1.2% - residents of the CIS, 0.9% - Europeans.

- More than 80% of Belarusians chose the answer that they feel themselves primarily citizens of Belarus – a sovereign, independent, free, democratic country. This is symbolic on the eve of the celebration of National Unity Day. Such self-identification suggests that the long-term plans we outline can be successfully implemented. If a person expresses his attitude towards his country in this way, it indicates his motivation, interest and understanding of the sense of responsibility. Such a civic, national-state identity is equally characteristic of all generations of Belarusians. This means that we are not just talking about preserving historical memory – our work on translating traditional values, preserving the experience of our ancestors, forming a sense of respect for our country, our people, patriotic qualities gave results, Myslivets said.

In July - August 2026, the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus commissioned by BISI conducted a comprehensive republican sociological study. It was attended by 2,045 respondents from all regions of the country. The first part of the results of the social research, which deals with topical issues of social and economic development of Belarus, was presented in Minsk on September 10. On September 16, the second part on socio-political topics was presented.

Photo by Denis Kulagi, infographic by BelTA