Croatia, Poland, Ukraine, and Beyond: Discover Eastern European Geography

When the Iron Curtain fell, Eastern Europe embarked on a dramatic journey from Soviet dominance to Western integration, marked by independence movements amid the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Nations embraced market economies and democratic reforms, though not without struggle, as they realigned with Western Europe, particularly through the formation and expansion of the European Union. The 1990s were a time of upheaval, with countries like Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia dissolving into new nation-states, often shaped by ethnic boundaries, while preserving their cultural identities. Despite the turbulence, especially in Yugoslavia, a shared sense of heritage and unity fueled efforts toward integration and historical preservation. The shift from Communist dictatorships to democratic governance empowered citizens with voting rights and economic freedoms, steering economies away from Moscow and toward Western influence. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s reforms were pivotal in paving the way for this transformative era, as Eastern Europe embraced its new identity within a united Europe.

The Countries of Eastern Europe

Albania

• Falling in Love With Albania: Read an account of one author’s travels in Albania and the mix of cultural influences to be found there.
• Nine Places in Albania Not to Be Missed: Discover Albania’s unique geography, including the beaches of Saranda and the dramatic landscapes of Theth.

The Baltic Republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania)

• Studying the Countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: This handbook covers the shared and unique histories of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, including their struggles for independence, and how these events have shaped their cultures today.
• About the Baltic States and Their Capitals: Discover the cultural traditions and characteristics of these three nations.

Belarus

• Belarusian History: The history of human civilization in Belarus dates back as far as the Stone Age.
• Understanding the Geography of Belarus: Learn about Belarus’s physical landscape and strategic location in Eastern Europe in this academic paper.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Remarks on the History of Bosnia: Examine the complex history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Turkish influences over the centuries.
• Bosnian Culture: Find out more about the characteristics of Bosnia’s culture and its people.

Bulgaria

• Who Are the Bulgarians? While racial identity can often become intertwined with national identity, Bulgaria’s national identity has largely been based on cultural and linguistic commonalities rather than race.
• Religious Beliefs in Bulgaria: Learn about the country’s diverse religious landscape, with a focus on Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam, and other faiths that have influenced Bulgarian culture and history.

Croatia

• A Cultural Guide to Exploring Croatia: This article examines the evidence of Croatia‘s history that’s survived to the present day, from its UNESCO World Heritage sites to the nation’s folk traditions.
• The Timeless Beauty of Croatian Geography: Explore the diverse landscapes of Croatia, from the Dinaric Alps to the Adriatic coastline, and discover why many people apply for a Croatian passport.

Czechia

• A Brief History of the Czech Republic: This resource provides an overview of Czech history, from the Great Moravian Empire to the founding of a modern nation.
• Top 30 Most Traditional Czech Foods: Learn about the most popular parts of Czech cuisine, from pork with dumplings to fried cheese.

Hungary

• Hungary Historical Timeline: Read a comprehensive guide to Hungary’s history, from the Magyars to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and beyond.
• Hungarian Cuisine: Learn about Hungary’s iconic dishes like goulash and chimney cake, important parts of the nation’s culture.

Kosovo

• Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Kosovo: While Kosovo is a fairly young country, people have lived here for centuries.
• Cultural Events in Kosovo: Discover the country’s traditional festivals, including music, art, and film events that celebrate its heritage and contemporary creativity.

Moldova

• Moldova: A History : This e-book explores the history of Moldova from its medieval roots to modern-day democracy.
• Moldovan Cultural Heritage: Moldova’s culture includes traditional crafts like the nation’s famed woven carpets as well as modern art and unique festivals.

Montenegro

• Multiculturalism as a Central Feature of Montenegrin History: Montenegro’s cultural identity is built from a diverse array of influences, including the Roman Empire, imperial Russia, and Western Europe.
• Montenegro’s Geography: This nation on the Adriatic Sea has a complex climate influenced by the sea as well as the mountains of the Dinaric Alps.

North Macedonia

• Macedonia and its Historical Legacy: The region of Macedonia was once home to one of the world’s largest empires, but today, it’s divided between northern Greece and the modern nation of North Macedonia.
• North Macedonia Geography: Explore the country’s geographical facts, including its highest and lowest points, water area, and border countries.

Poland

• Poland’s Solidarity Movement: This page explores the rise of the influential trade union and political movement that played a crucial role in challenging communist rule and shaping Poland’s path to democracy.
• Polish Culture and Traditions: Learn about Poland’s culture, including its cuisine and its celebratory customs.

Romania

• Roman History Through the Eyes of a Romanian: The Roman Empire is a central part of Romania’s cultural heritage.
• Romania’s Modern Appeal for Travelers: Romania is home to many famed castles, including Bran Castle, associated with Dracula.

Serbia

• Storytelling Traditions Around the World: Serbia: This article explores Serbia’s oral storytelling tradition, including folk tales, epic poetry, and legends that have been passed down through generations of citizens.
• Natural Wonders of Serbia: Learn about the Deliblato Sands, Uvac Special Nature Reserve, Djavolja Varos, and more.

Slovakia

• Slovakia’s Geography: The geography of Slovakia is characterized by forests and the towering mountains of the Carpathian and Ore ranges.
• History and Culture of Slovakia: Explore Slovakia’s folk traditions, cuisine, art, and language.

Slovenia

• A Guide to Food and Drink in Slovenia: Discover Slovenia’s culinary traditions, including the local dishes, and popular drinks that reflect Slovenia’s diverse cultural influences.
• A Brief History of Slovenia: Here’s an overview of Slovenia’s historical development, from its early settlements to its independence and modern-day evolution.

Ukraine

• Soviet Ukraine in a Nutshell: This resource provides a concise overview of life in Ukraine during the Soviet era, highlighting its political, cultural, and social landscape.
• Ukrainian Culture and Foods: Ukraine has a rich culinary heritage, which is explored on this page.

European Geography Games and Quizzes

• European Geography Quiz: Tests your knowledge of the nations of Europe by playing this game.
• Countries of Europe: Try to name as many countries as you can within the shortest time possible.
• Geography Quiz: How much knowledge do you have about European geography? Try out this quiz to find out!
• Countries in Europe: This game asks you to locate the different countries of Europe in the least number of guesses.

This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian