A contemporary analysis of the people, cultures, and society within the regions that make up Eastern Europe. * Discusses the geography, history, political development, and economy of nations such as Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Albania, and many others * Includes historical profiles of significant people such as Konstantin Pats and Lydia Koidula, cultural events such as the Song Festival, and key events such as the sinking of the ferry Estonia * Presents maps of the entire region and each of the 16 countries, including Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, and Greece * Includes discussions of Eastern European languages