EASTERN EUROPEDominated by the USSR until 1990

Europe’s Poorest Region

Influenced by Russia

political and economic instability common

UNDERLYING FORCES

FORCES THAT CAN DIVIDE A COUNTRYReligious, linguistic, ethnic, or ideological differences

FORCES THAT UNITE AND BIND A COUNTRY TOGETHER

A strong national culture, shared ideological objectives, and a common faith

THE BALTIC STATES•POLAND, LITHUANIA, LATVIA,

ESTONIA, BELARUS

• BELARUS: Still strongly influenced by Russia

• Traditionally a Farming Region

• Fishing and shipping on the Baltic Sea

CENTRAL EUROPECZECH REPUBLIC

The region’s most westernized country

SLOVAKIALess Developed, More Rural

than Czech Republic

HUNGARYlandlocked; strategic location

THE BLACK SEA COUNTRIESBULGARIA: Freed from Russia in 1878.

ROMANIA: Formerly Roman

MOLDOVA: Agrarian (Farming)

UKRAINE: Agrarian (Farming); largest and most populated of these countries

THE BALKANSMost of these countries formed when Yugoslavia broke apart

SLOVENIA: First to Become Independent. Ethnically Most Homogeneous

CROATIA: Booming TourismBOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Centrally Located

SERBIA: Core State of Former YugoslaviaMONTENEGRO: Pollution of Coastal Waters

MACEDONIA: Mountainous territory with deep basins and valleys

ALBANIA: 70% Muslims; Lowest Economic Ranking in Europe

KOSOVO: Europe’s Newest Country