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Language groups -

By around 1000 CE, Slavic languages diversified into three main groups: East, West, and South Slavic. East Slavic includes Belarusian, Russian, and Ukrainian, while West Slavic encompasses Polish, Czech, and Slovak. South Slavic features Serbian, Croatian, and Bulgarian, among others.

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Alphabet differences -

The Slavic countries are divided between Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. Cyrillic is used in Russia, Bulgaria, and Serbia, while Latin is common in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. This reflects historical and religious influences.

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Cyril and Methodius -

Cyril and Methodius, ninth-century Byzantine brothers, created the Glagolitic alphabet, which became Cyrillic. They spread Christianity among Slavs, translating religious texts into Old Church Slavonic.

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Religion -

Slavic countries are predominantly Christian, with Catholicism dominant in West Slavic nations like Poland and Orthodox Christianity prevailing in Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria since the Great Schism of 1054. Post-communist Poland and Russia saw religious revivals, while secularism remains stronger in the Czech Republic.

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Shared early history -

Polesia, located in modern-day Belarus, Ukraine, and parts of Poland, is widely considered the original Slavic homeland. Early Slavic tribes migrated in the fifth and sixth centuries, laying the foundation for modern Slavic nations. By the ninth century, states like Great Moravia and Kyivan Rus emerged.

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Ottoman influence in the Balkans -

The Ottoman Empire ruled South Slavic countries like Serbia, Bosnia, and Bulgaria from the 14th to 19th centuries, shaping their cultures, religions, and politics. In Bosnia, this included the introduction of Islam, unlike in West and East Slavic regions. Pictured is Belgrade during the Ottoman Empire. 

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Influence of Byzantine Empire -

The Byzantine Empire heavily influenced East and South Slavic countries, especially through the introduction of Orthodox Christianity in the ninth century. Byzantine-style churches and art can still be seen in Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

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Influence of the Mongol Empire -

The Mongol invasion of Kyivan Rus in the 13th century had a lasting impact on East Slavic countries, particularly Russia, influencing its centralized governance and military structures.

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Influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire -

Many Slavic people, such as the Czechs, Slovaks, and Croats, were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918). The empire's Germanization policies suppressed Slavic languages, fostering nationalist movements that contributed to its eventual collapse after World War I.

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Nationalism and independence movements -

In the 19th century, Slavic nationalism surged as countries sought independence from empires like the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Czechoslovakia (pictured) gained its independence in 1918, while Serbia led efforts to create the South Slavic state of Yugoslavia in 1918.

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World War II and its impact -

WWII devastated many Slavic nations. Poland was the first country invaded by Nazi Germany in 1939, leading to millions of deaths. Post-war Soviet domination reshaped political borders, while Yugoslavia emerged as a socialist federation under Josip Broz Tito.

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Soviet influence -

Following World War II, the Soviet Union dominated East Slavic countries like Ukraine and Belarus, shaping their political and economic structures. Although countries like Poland and the Czech Republic resisted Soviet control, Soviet-style communism still left a lasting impact. 

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Communist legacy in the Balkans -

Communist rule dominated Yugoslavia (1945–1992) under Tito, but unlike the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia maintained a degree of independence from Moscow.

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Post-communist economic differences -

Post-communist economic transitions varied. Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria embraced market reforms and joined the EU, leading to rapid growth. Meanwhile, Russia faced economic hardships in the '90s, while Belarus retained a more Soviet-style economy.

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Importance of religion in national identity -

In countries like Poland, where over 70% identify as Catholic, religion is tied closely to national identity. Conversely, Russia, Serbia, and Bulgaria associate Orthodox Christianity with national pride, particularly after centuries of Ottoman or Mongol rule.

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Differences in political systems -

After communism's fall (1989-1991), Slavic countries took different paths. For example, Poland and the Czech Republic embraced liberal democracies and joined the EU, while Russia, under Putin since 2000, maintained a centralized, authoritarian system.

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Folk traditions -

Despite regional differences, Slavic countries share strong folk traditions. Examples include Russia's matryoshka dolls and Poland's krakowiak dance. Festivals like Ukraine's Kupala Night and Bulgaria's Surva keep ancient rituals alive in modern times.

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Shared mythology -

Pre-Christian Slavic mythology was common across all Slavic tribes. Although Christianity replaced these beliefs by the 10th century, remnants remain in folk traditions and modern festivals.

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Food culture -

Slavic cuisines share similarities, including hearty dishes and the use of fermented foods, reflecting the region's agrarian roots. Staples like Russian borscht (beet soup), Polish pierogi (dumplings), and Serbian ćevapi (grilled minced meat) highlight common features that exist with variations across several countries.

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Folk music traditions -

Slavic folk music reflects the diverse regional influences. In Russia, the balalaika (pictured to the left) is a popular instrument, while Bulgaria's polyphonic singing is unique in the Balkans. Poland's folk dances like mazurka have influenced classical composers, including Chopin.

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Traditional clothing -

Traditional Slavic clothing, often worn for festivals, varies by region. For example, Polish women traditionally wear colorful skirts and white blouses, while Russian sarafans (pictured) are long, embroidered dresses.

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Architecture influences -

Slavic architecture reflects diverse influences, including Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Mid-20th century brutalism also emerged, symbolizing communist ideals in cities like Warsaw and Belgrade (pictured). 

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Literature and poetry -

Slavic countries boast rich literary traditions. Russia's Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky are globally renowned, while Poland's Adam Mickiewicz is central to Polish national identity. Czech literature features Karel Čapek, known for popularizing the term "robot" and addressing themes of humanity and technology.

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Similarities in education system -

Slavic countries prioritized education, adopting Soviet-style systems post-WWII. Today, nations like Slovenia, Poland, and the Czech Republic have reformed their systems to align with Western Europe, emphasizing critical thinking and autonomy. However, Russia maintains a more centralized, state-controlled educational structure focused on national values.

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Sport culture -

Former European communist countries excel in sports due to a strong emphasis on physical education and state support. Soccer is the most popular sport, with Croatia reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, while winter sports, like ice hockey, thrive in Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

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Migration and diaspora -

Slavic migration has been significant, especially after joining the EU. Many have moved to Western Europe for work, while the conflict in Ukraine has led to recent waves of migration into neighboring Slavic nations. Pictured are Ukrainian children in Germany. 

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Modernization vs. tradition -

In countries like Slovakia (pictured) and Poland, urban areas are increasingly modernized, while rural regions retain more traditional lifestyles, reflecting a blend of modernization and preservation of traditional customs.

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Gender roles and social change -

Traditional gender roles persist in many Slavic countries, although modernization is driving change. Slovenia and the Czech Republic (pictured) are more progressive in terms of gender equality, while rural areas of Serbia and Bulgaria continue to uphold more traditional norms.

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Influence of European Union -

Slavic countries that joined the EU adopted its laws and benefited from economic growth. In contrast, non-EU Slavic countries like Serbia and Belarus have maintained distinct political and economic systems, resisting full integration into the EU framework.

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Political tensions between Slavs -

Political tensions persist within the Slavic world, particularly between Russia and Ukraine, since the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing war. Additionally, the Yugoslav Wars of the '90s reshaped relationships in the region. In contrast, relations between Western Slavic countries remain cooperative, especially within the EU framework.

Sources: (Britannica) (The Guardian) (BBC) 

See also: All the countries Russia has invaded

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