More than 82% of Belarusians do not plan to change their place of residence within the country, and most citizens view going abroad exclusively as a way to rest or visit relatives. These data were obtained during a comprehensive nationwide sociological study conducted by the Institute of Sociology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in July-August 2026. BelTA found out what exactly keeps people on their native land and what factors shape their attachment to their small homeland.
The presentation of the first part of the sociological study results, concerning pressing issues of social and economic development, showed a high degree of satisfaction among Belarusians with their place of residence. According to the survey, in which 2,045 respondents took part, only 17.2% would like to move permanently to another locality within the country. Another 0.2% found it difficult to answer. At the same time, emigration plans look even less widespread: only 1.7% of those surveyed would like to leave for permanent residence abroad. The majority, 48.6%, consider going abroad only for tourism, recreation or visiting relatives, while 48.1% have no such plans at all.
Viktoriya Atrashkina, a native of Belynichi, returned to her hometown by assignment after graduating from the Orsha State Medical College without much hesitation. «As a young specialist, I was provided with rented housing in a new building. This is a big advantage: right now I am furnishing the apartment to my taste and soon plan a full move,» the young woman said. «The working conditions are good, the team is friendly, and the district center itself is very comfortable to live in. So I am not considering a move to another city in the near future.»
Viktoriya noted that Belynichi combines the coziness of a provincial town with accessible infrastructure. The locality was recognized as one of the best-maintained in the country following the 2025 nationwide sanitary condition review among towns with a population of up to 10,000.
«There is everything necessary here for a calm and dignified life. And if something is lacking, you can always quickly get to the regional center,» the interviewee explained. «It is only 30-40 minutes by minibus to Mogilev, and getting to Minsk is not difficult either.»
Viktoriya does not yet plan to go abroad. «I have never seriously thought about emigration. Of course, while you are young, you want to travel, see the world and gain new impressions. But for that you do not necessarily have to change your place of residence,» the young woman said. «Belarus has a huge number of beautiful places for recreation and unique sights. I like our nature, our history and the rhythm of life. I feel needed and in demand in my place, and that is probably the main thing.»
Polina Shcherbakova, a lecturer at Kuleshov Mogilev State University, shares a similar position. The young woman graduated from the university with a red diploma, received a scholarship from the president’s special fund and was included in the database of gifted youth, and after her studies she decided to stay in Mogilev.
«I came to the university for knowledge. While I was studying, my studies demanded complete dedication. It was a very valuable experience. During my studies I managed to become more organized and open to dialogue, because I understand that communication is very important in our lives,» Polina shared. «I stayed in Mogilev because I believe in my potential and see my future here. Mogilev is a wonderful and beautiful city for me, with a rich history and excellent, well-developed infrastructure. Every year the city is transformed more and more. Worth noting are the new fountains on the Dubrovenka River, which impress not only residents but also city visitors.»
She is convinced that Mogilev is in no way inferior to the capital or other regional centers, let alone foreign countries. «I am all for broadening one’s horizons, studying other cultures and countries, but you always want to return home, to Belarus. However beautiful and good it may be there, home is always better,» the young woman emphasized.
Attachment to his small homeland is also demonstrated by Andrei Drozd, a resident of Kirovsk District who has worked in agriculture for about seven years. In his agro-town he built a family and found a calling he loves. The young man has no intention of moving on principle. «In our agro-town there are all the conditions for life. My wife, our child and I are satisfied with everything. There are places for entertainment and for cultural recreation. Why go to another place, look for something, change? Here everything is familiar, everything is to my liking,» Andrei explained.
He plans to continue working in agriculture, considering work on the land his calling. As for foreign countries, in Andrei’s opinion, Belarus also has enough opportunities for quality recreation. «There are many beautiful places where you can go and rest, have a good time and learn something new. There are many interesting castles, museums and sights. And going abroad — only if it is to the seaside,» he noted.
Aleksandr, an engineer at one of the Mogilev enterprises, has been working in the same place for about ten years. He also does not intend to move to another city or country. According to him, Mogilev has created all the conditions for a comfortable life and professional fulfilment. «Why look for a new job, an apartment, new friends, if everything is already there? I have many relatives and friends in Mogilev. So I am here for life,» he said.
Aleksandr has been abroad, but did not get any particular impressions from his trips. «Yes, I have been to various countries, but, honestly, nothing particularly appealed to me. I believe that Belarus is much cleaner and more beautiful. Besides, the people here are kind and friendly, they will always give you advice and help,» the man added.
Confidence in the future and a sense of security, sociologists note, are key factors keeping Belarusians on their native land and shaping the demand for the development of their own country.
