The Belarusian Democratic Republic (Belarusian: Белару́ская Наро́дная Рэспу́бліка, IPA: [bʲeɫaˈruskaja naˈrodnaja rɛsˈpublʲika], translit. : Belaruskaya Narodnaya Respublika, historically referred to as the White Ruthenian Democratic Republic (German: Weißruthenische Volksrepublik, French: République Démocratique de la Ruthénie Blanche)) was an independent Belarusian state, which declared independence in 1918. It is also called the Belarusian People's Republic or the Belarusian National Republic, in order to distinguish it from communist People's Republics. The BNR was recognized by several other countries, but ceased to exist since Belarus was taken under Soviet control and foundation of Belorussian SSR in 1919, though BNR authorities later formed a government in exile.