Difference Between Western and Eastern Europe

Key Difference – Western vs Eastern Europe

The continent of Europe can be divided into two regions as the western and eastern Europe. Between these two regions, a myriad of differences can be viewed regarding the geographical location, culture, economy, etc. These two regions consist of a large number of countries that enrich the diversity of the two regions. The key difference between Western and Eastern Europe is that Eastern Europe consists of countries that once belonged to the Soviet block, unlike the Western European countries. Also economically, the Western European countries are much more advanced than the eastern European countries. Through this article, let us examine the differences further.

What is Western Europe?

Western Europe refers to the western part of Europe. Some of the countries that fall under this category are United Kingdom, Norway, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Vatican City, Netherlands, Sweden, Malta, Italy, Iceland, Germany, Greece, Finland, etc. The Western European region is very much advanced in its economy. Along with the inventions of the industrial revolution, countries have been able to gain a high economic development rate.

In this region may Catholics and Protestant Christians can be seen. People speak romance languages and those with Germanic roots as well. The impact of modernization and individualization can be clearly seen in the lifestyles of people.

What is Eastern Europe?

Eastern Europe refers to the eastern part of Europe. Some of the countries that belong to Eastern Europe are Albania, Bosnia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia, Moldova, Lithuania, etc. During the cold war period, this region was referred to as the Eastern bloc or else the Soviet bloc. It is difficult to point out the geographical division between the western and eastern regions of Europe although it is believed that the Caucasus Mountains, Ural River and mountain lay the boundary for Eastern Europe.

When examining the culture and society of the countries of Eastern Europe, a clear difference can be seen in family structures. In the Eastern European countries, the conservative ideas are more prominent in comparison to the Western region. People speak languages with Slavic roots. Also, the people follow many religions such as Orthodox Christianity and also Islam. The economy is comparatively lower and less stable than in Western Europe.

What is the difference between Western and Eastern Europe?

Definitions of Western and Eastern Europe:

Western Europe: Western Europe refers to the western part of Europe.

Eastern Europe: Eastern Europe refers to the eastern part of Europe.

Characteristics of Western and Eastern Europe:

Countries:

Western Europe: United Kingdom, Norway, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Vatican City, Netherlands, Sweden, Malta, Italy, Iceland, Germany, Greece, Finland are some examples for countries that belong to Western Europe.

Eastern Europe: Albania, Bosnia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia, Moldova, Lithuania are some countries of Eastern Europe.

Economy:

Western Europe: Western Europe is economically more advanced as well as prosperous.

Eastern Europe: Eastern Europe is comparatively less advanced regarding the economy.

Religion:

Western Europe: More Catholics and Protestant Christians can be seen.

Eastern Europe: Most people follow Orthodox Christianity or Islam.

Languages:

Western Europe: People speak romance languages and languages with Germanic roots.

Eastern Europe: People speak languages with Slavic roots.

Image Courtesy;

1. Western Europe (Robinson Project) By Serg!o [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

2. “Eastern-Europe-map2” by CrazyPhunk – self-made – based upon: Image:Eastern-Europe-map2.png. [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons