Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is a geographical and cultural region that typically includes countries located east of Germany and Austria. It is often defined to encompass nations such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), as well as the countries of the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and the Caucasus states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia).The term can encompass a range of historical, political, and cultural contexts, particularly concerning the impact of the Cold War and the division of Europe during the 20th century. Eastern Europe is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and historical legacies, influenced by various empires, such as the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, and Russian Empires, as well as by communist governance in the 20th century.In modern contexts, Eastern Europe is often discussed in terms of its transition to democracy and market economies following the fall of communism and its ongoing integration into European and global frameworks. The definition of Eastern Europe can vary depending on the perspective of geography, culture, or political history.