Human Geography of Eastern Europe

History and Government Human Geography of Eastern Europe History and Government Eastern Europe is a shatter belt, or region of great political instability, that drove the area’s Balkanization, or the division of the region into smaller hostile regions. Yugoslavia attempted to reverse this process, since it combined smaller regions into one country, but it fell apart with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Power struggles led to civil war and ethnic cleansing, or the genocide of an ethnic group, and Balkanization has continued with countries declaring independence.

Human Geography of Eastern Europe Population Patterns The Slavs are an ethnic group that includes Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, and Macedonians. The Roma are of Indo-European origin and are the largest minority population in Europe. The majority of people live in urban areas, although there are large populations along the Danube and Vistula Rivers. Eastern Europe experienced large migrations during and after World War II with people leaving to escape war and poor conditions.

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of Eastern Europe Society and Culture Today Countries have faced economic challenges in the transition to democratic governments. The area is marked by many different religious and ethnic groups. The family is the basic social unit and serves to reinforce social values. The long history of folk and classical music makes it an important art form among peoples of the region.

Human Geography of Eastern Europe Economic Activities Over the past 20 years, Eastern Europe has transitioned to a market economy. The region is known for low-cost, high quality electronic and automotive manufacturing, but still maintains its agricultural roots. As political stability has improved, the region has become increasingly linked to Western Europe through trade and, more recently, by joining the European Union.

Human Geography of the Russian Core

History and Government Human Geography of the Russian Core History and Government Unrest during World War I triggered, or set off, the Russian Revolution of 1917, signaling the demise of Europe’s last absolute monarchy. The Communist-controlled Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) emerged and engaged in a political and ideological war with the West. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the independence of 15 different countries in the region, including Belarus and Ukraine.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Population Patterns About 80 percent of Russians live west of the Ural Mountains where there is rich soil, waterways, and a milder climate. After the fall of the Soviet Union, people were free to migrate, and many settled in cities, such as the capital city of Moscow. The region is facing a population decline, with death rates increasing while birth rates are falling, resulting in a smaller, but older population.

Society and Culture Today Human Geography of the Russian Core Society and Culture Today The Soviet government promoted atheism and discriminated against different ethnic groups. In the late 1980s the government began to loosen its restrictions on religion and the arts, leading people to rediscover both. Russian women have a long history of working, first in industry and now in all sectors; financial necessity is increasing their numbers in the workforce, contributing to a lower birth rate.

Human Geography of the Russian Core Economic Activities With the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a rocky transition from a command economy to a market economy. Natural resources account for most of Russia’s exports, such as crude oil, minerals, and lumber. Although a key trading partner with Russia, Ukraine remains wary of Russia’s former power and is considering joining the European Union. Belarus remains industrially integrated and closely allied with Russia.