Why is Belarus called Belarus (White Russia)?

Belarus indeed means “White Russia” and the latter has been used in English, too. There also exists “Red Russia” and “Black Russia” historical regions but they haven't evolved to countries of those names as of 2018. read more

Belarus was formerly part of the Soviet Union, and it is an independent nation today. Some Belarusians consider the term "White Russia" to be offensive because it creates a verbal link with Russia instead of establishing Belarus as having a separate national identity. read more

Actually in Belarusian or Russian languages Belarus doesn’t mean “White Russia.” Only in English language the words “Belarus” and “Russia” have the same root spelling “rus.” Unlike English in Russian or Belarusian languages, this root sounds and writes differently in the above-mentioned words. read more