Countries of the Former USSR
The Soviet Union Comprised Nations Within and Without East Europe
The countries of the former USSR are not only located in Eastern Europe. The Soviet Union also included nations that now occupy Transcaucasian and Central Asian regions.
The USSR was made up of several countries that are now striving to express their independence on a broad scale to the global economy. Many of these countries are located in Eastern Europe, but the former USSR encapsulated parts of other regions as well. “USSR” translated into Russian is abbreviated with the Cyrillic letters “CCCP.”
Countries of the Former USSR – Russia
During Soviet times, “Russia” and “USSR” were sometimes used interchangeably, albeit erroneously. Russia was, indeed, the largest member of the USSR, but the countries that were apart of the USSR were not Russian. However, widespread “Russification” did occur, and this fact has caused many countries of the former USSR to develop anti-Russian feelings and even anti-Russian (or nationalistic) policies.
Countries of the Former USSR- Ukraine
Once called “the Ukraine,” Ukraine is a country that has resented being seen by the world as Russia's smaller sibling. Before there was Russia, there was Kievan Rus, and it is to here that Russian culture can trace its roots. Until the princes of Muscovy gained power, Ukraine's Kiev was a seat of law, learning, and religion for the region.
Countries of the Former USSR – Belarus
Belarus still clings to Soviet ideals and practices. Its official language is Russian, its media is tightly controlled by politicians, and the future of its economy is bleak.
Countries of the Former USSR – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia
The Baltic States, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, are some of the most successful and promising countries to emerge as independent entities after their absorption into the former USSR. While they have geography in common, they have sought to develop their economies using their unique sets of resources and to assert their cultures as not only independent from Soviet culture, but independent from their fellow Baltic nations.
Countries of the Former USSR – Moldova
Moldova has often been depicted as simply a region of Romania. While Moldova shares some of Romania's culture and heritage, it is a separate country.
Countries of the Former USSR – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
These so-called Transcaucasian countries have been of interest to Russia since the time of the Tsars. For example, in Lermontov's A Hero of Our Time, some of Pechorin's adventures take place in the Transcaucasian region. Now, these countries have established themselves as separate entities that function within their own region.
Countries of the Former USSR – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
These “-istans” of Central Asia were also a part of the former USSR. Today, while they may still feel the influence of the former USSR, they are not generally associated with Russia.
