eastern europe dominated by the ussr until 1990 europe’s poorest region influenced by russia...

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