When it comes to Eastern European countries, the most popular names are Russia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. You can find detailed information about these countries as well as others in the region.
Eastern Europe is known for its diverse history and cultures and significant geopolitical influence. Over the years and centuries, the region has been through a series of changes from the days of the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empires and unto integration with modern Europe.
Apart from that, Eastern European countries are also known for their traditions, science, and languages.
List of countries in Eastern Europe in alphabetical order:
Belarus
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Hungary
Poland
Moldova
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
Ukraine
Here is some detailed information about the countries of Eastern Europe.
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Belarus
Belarus is one of the Eastern European countries known for its strategic position. It is a landlocked country known for its rich history and vast forests. The country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Belarus's capital city and the seat of power of the government is Minsk, which is the largest urban and economic hub of the country.
Geographical location
Belarus is a landlocked country and is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Poland to the west, Latvia and Lithuania to the northwest and Ukraine to the south.
Belarus is characterised by some natural wonders and is known for its dense forest, flat plains, rivers and lakes.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 207,600 km² (80,200 mi²)
Length (North to South): 560 km (350 mi)
Width (West to East): 650 km (400 mi)
Highest Point: Mount Dzyarzhynskaya (346 metres / 1,135 ft)
Major Rivers: Western Dvina, Neman, Dnieper, and Berezina.
Culture
Belarus has a rich history and culture that dates back to the olden days. It includes a mixture of Slavic, Soviet heritage, and European elements. The country's official languages are Belarusian and Russian.
Famous places to visit
Belarus has some interesting places you can visit with your family or when you want to take a vacation. Below are some of the places you can check out.
Minsk: It is the capital city of the country where you can find almost everything you want to know about Belarus. The city has some notable areas that show the rich history of the country.
Independence Square, Victory Square, and the National Library. You could visit these places and explore different things about the country.
Mir Castle: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring mediaeval architecture.
Nesvizh Castle: This is a historic palace known for its impressive gardens.
Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park
Lake Narach: It is the largest lake in Belarus.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is the next country as we continue our deep dive into the list of countries in Eastern Europe. It is located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula.
Bulgaria has a rich history that can be traced back to the 7th century, which makes it one of the oldest countries on the European continent today. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, which include a coastline along the famous Black Sea, plains and mountains.
Geographical location
Bulgaria is bordered by five countries but is not a landlocked country, as it has access to the sea through the famous Black Sea. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west and the famous Black Sea to the east.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 110,993 km² (42,855 mi²)
Highest Point: Musala Peak (2,925 metres / 9,596 ft)
Major Rivers: Maritsa, Struma, Danube, and Iskar.
Length of Coastline: 378 km (235 mi)
Bulgaria has mountain ranges like the Rila Mountains, Rhodope, and Balkan Mountains, plains and valleys.
Culture
Bulgarian heritage is diverse as it blends with Thracian, Slavic, and Ottoman. Here, you often come across folk music, dance, and crafts.
Famous places to visit
Sofia: It is the capital city of the country. You can also find the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Vitosha Mountain, and Boyana Church.
Plovdiv: It is regarded as one of the oldest cities in Europe and houses the famous Roman Amphitheatre.
Buzludzha Monument
Nessebar: It is a historic coastal town known for its beautiful beaches.
Rila Monastery: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, is a popular destination in Europe. It is a landlocked country that is located in Central Europe and in the eastern portion of the continent at the same time.
Czechia is known for its mediaeval architecture and cultural heritage. Its capital city, Prague, is ranked as one of the most visited destinations in Europe, especially due to its historic Old Town, bridges and castles.
Geographical location
The Czech Republic is bordered by five countries, which include Germany in the west, Slovakia in the east, Poland in the north and Austria to the south.
Interestingly, the Czech Republic is situated in the heart of Europe.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 78,871 km² (30,452 mi²)
Highest Point: Sněžka (1,603 metres / 5,259 ft)
Major Rivers: Morava, Vltava, and Elbe.
The country also consists of some natural wonders, including Moravia, rolling hills, mountain ranges, Bohemia and part of Silesia.
Famous places to visit
Prague: It is the capital city and a famous destination for travellers across the world. Hence, it is one of the most visited destinations in Europe today. The city features the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Prague Castle.
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
Karlovy Vary: It's a popular spa town and features hot springs.
Český Krumlov: It is a UNESCO-listed mediaeval town.
Kutná Hora
Hungary
Hungary is the next destination in Eastern Europe. It is a landlocked country and is part of Central Europe. The country is known for its rich history, culture, and astonishing landscapes. The capital city of Budapest is a major city and one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Geographical location
Hungary is a landlocked country and is bordered by up to seven countries. They include Austria to the west, Romania to the east, Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Serbia to the south, and Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 93,030 km² (35,920 mi²)
Highest Point: Kékes (1,015 metres / 3,330 ft)
Major Rivers: Drava, Danube, and Tisza
Largest Lake: Lake Balaton (It is the largest freshwater lake in the region.)
Hungary consists of other natural wonders such as the Great Hungarian Plain, hills, rolling plains, and river valleys.
Famous places to visit
Budapest: It is the capital city and consists of some impressive sites, including the Parliament Building and Buda Castle.
Lake Balaton: It is a freshwater lake which is the largest in central Europe.
Pécs
Eger
Hortobágy National Park: It is UNESCO-listed.
Moldova
Moldova is the next country on our list. It is a landlocked country known for its rich history, wine production and unique cultural identity. The capital city is Chișinău.
Geographical location
Moldova is landlocked between Ukraine and Romania. It borders Ukraine to the north, east, and south, with Romania to the west. It is situated between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 3,846 km² (13,068 mi²)
Highest Point: Bălănești Hill (430 meters / 1,411 ft)
Major Rivers: Dniester and Prut
Famous places to visit
Chișinău: It is the capital city and is home to the National Museum ofy, the Triumphal Arch and Stefan cel Mare Park.
Orheiul Vechi
Cricova Winery: It is regarded as one of the largest underground wine cellars in the world.
Soroca Fortress
Bender Fortress
Poland
Poland is another popular destination in Eastern Europe. The country is known for its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes. Its capital city, Warsaw, is a major political and economic hub on the European continent.
Geographical location is surrounded by seven countries. They include Germany in the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the south, Ukraine and Belarus in the east, and Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad) in the northeast, with the Baltic Sea to the north.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 312,696 km² (120,728 mi²)
Highest Point: Mount Rysy (2,499 metres / 8,199 ft)
Major Rivers: Warta, Vistula, and Oder
Poland consists of some natural wonders, such as mountains, plains and coastal areas.
Famous laces to visit
Warsaw: It is the capital city and features some unique sites, including the Royal Castle, Palace of Culture and Science and the Warsaw Old Town.
Wrocław: The city is known for its colourful Market Square and the canals of the Oder River.
Kraków: It is a historic city home to the Wawel Castle and St Mary’s Basilica.
Gdańsk: It is a coastal city with beautiful architecture.
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Romania
Romania is the next country in Eastern Europe. It is located in the southeastern part of the continent and is known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. Its capital city and largest urban centre is Bucharest, known as a major economic hub in the country.
Geographical location
Romania is bordered by five countries. They include Ukraine to the north, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to the east, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary in the western axis and the Black Sea to the southeast.
Romania is also known for its natural wonders, including coastal regions, mountains, and plains.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 238,397 km² (92,046 mi²)
Highest Point: Moldoveanu Peak (2,544 metres / 8,346 ft)
Major Rivers: Danube, Olt, Mureș, Prut
Famous places to visit
Salina Turda: It is an underground salt mine that was converted into an amusement park.
Sinaia & Peleș Castle
Bran Castle: It is also known as Dracula’s Castle.
Palace of the Parliament
Danube Delta: It is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.
Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world by land mass. Its entire landmass spans across Eastern Europe and Northern Asia and covers up to 17 million square kilometres. The country is known for its rich history, and Moscow is the capital city of the country.
Geographical location
Interestingly, Russia is bordered by 16, including the Baltic and Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Others are Poland (through the Russian exclave Kaliningrad) in the west, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea.
Russia has extended coastlines along the Baltic Sea, Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 17,125,191 km² (6,612,073 mi²)
Highest Point: Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters / 18,510 ft)
Famous places to visit
Moscow: It is the capital city of Russia.
Lake Baikal: It is regarded as the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, located in Siberia.
St. Petersburg
Trans-Siberian Railway: It is the longest railway in the world.
Kamchatka Peninsula
Slovakia
Slovakia is a landlocked country known for its mountainous landscapes. The capital city of the country is Bratislava, which is a major political and economic hub in the region.
Geographical location
Slovakia is surrounded by five countries, including Poland in the north, Hungary in the south, the Czech Republic to the west, Austria to the southwest and Ukraine to the east.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 49,035 km² (18,933 mi²)
Highest Point: Gerlach Peak (2,655 metres / 8,711 ft)
Major Rivers: Hron, Váh, Danube, and Morava
Famous places to visit
Bratislava Castle
Spiš Castle: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest mediaeval castles in Europe.
High Tatras
Bojnice Castle
Slovak Paradise National Park
Ukraine
Ukraine is known for its rich history and diverse landscapes. Kyiv is the capital city of the country, a major political, economic, and cultural centre in the region.
Geographical location
Ukraine is bordered by seven countries, namely Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.
Size & landmass
Total Area: 603,628 km² (233,062 mi²)
Highest Point: Hoverla (2,061 metres / 6,762 ft)
Major Rivers: Southern Bug, Siverskyi Donets, Dnieper, and Dniester.
Famous places to visit
Kyiv
Lviv: A UNESCO-listed city
Odessa
Carpathian Mountains
Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
Landlocked countries in Eastern Europe
Belarus
The country borders Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and Latvia.
Czech Republic
The country borders Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Poland.
Hungary
Hungary is surrounded by Croatia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Romania, and Serbia.
Moldova
Moldova is landlocked between Romania and Ukraine.
Slovakia
Slovakia is surrounded by the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine.