The New Eastern Europe

Poland and the Baltic RepublicsPp. 202-205

Hungarians, Czechs, and SlovaksPp. 206-209

Poland• One of largest

countries in Europe• On huge Northern

European Plain• Bogs – low swampy

areas• Carpathian Mountains

in south

Poland’s Economy• Communist state –

government had strong control over the economy and society

• Thousands of small farms

• Grow most potatoes and rye than any other country in Europe

Poland’s Economy• Mining and

manufacturing • Petroleum and natural

gas• Factories and

shipping• Acid rain – rain

containing chemicals that pollute water, air and land

Struggle for Freedom• Founded in 900 AD• Powerful kingdom in

Middle Ages• 1947 – communism• 1989 – democracy• 2004 – joined

European Union• 2/3 live in cities• Most are Roman

Catholic

Baltic Republics• Estonia, Latvia, and

Lithuania• On Baltic Sea• Large Russian

minority populations• Poor, swampy areas• Dairy farming, fishing,

shipbuilding

CHAPTER 7 SECTION 2

Hungary - Land of the Magyars• Landlocked – does not

border sea or ocean• Danube River

provides trade and transportation

• Hungarian Plain good for farming and grazing

• Rolling hills, forests, lakes, and Carpathian Mountains here.

Hungarian Economy• Farmers grow sugar

beets, corn, wheat, and grapes

• Manufacturing, financial services, and tourism

• Depends on Danube River for trade

Hungarians: People/Culture• Magyars came about

1,000 years ago; skilled horseriders

• Nomads – people who move from place to place, often with herds of animals

• Ottoman Turks and Austria ruled it

• 2/3 are Roman Catholic

HUNGARY: Government

• Capital = Budapest• Known as the “Paris of Eastern Europe”

Czech Republic: Land/Climate

• Known for beautiful buildings and great writers

• Large fertile plains and factories

Czech Republic

People/Culture• 2/3 live in cities• Highest Standard of

Living• Great play writers and

literature

Economy/Government• Capital = PRAGUE• Manufacturing• First president was a

playwright• Formerly Czechoslovakia

(split in 1993)

Slovakia• LAND: Carpathian Mountains in north are rich in

iron ore, lead, zinc, and copper• ECONOMY: Heavy industry & Popular vacation

spot

Slovakia• GOVERNMENT:

Privatize – factory ownership shifts from government to individual

• Outdated technology and pollution

• PEOPLE:Mostly Roman Catholic

• 60% live in cities