Eastern European countries are located in the eastern part of the European continent. This region typically includes nations such as Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic States like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These countries have diverse cultures, languages, and histories, shaped by various influences over the centuries. Many Eastern European countries were part of the Soviet Union or influenced by it during the 20th century. Since the fall of communism in the late 1980s and early 1990s, these nations have transitioned to market economies and democratic governance, leading to significant social and economic changes.