What are the post-Communist economies of the former Soviet republics and Eastern Europe like?

Question

I already have the answer but i want to make sure if it is right.

Answer 1

First of all, the countries of eastern Europe and the former USSR differ greatly so it's not like there's a one-size-fits-all answer. The Baltics, Poland, Slovenia, etc. cannot compare to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, for example. It's probably useful to look at the countries that were part of eastern Europe separately (and probably within that group, separate the ones affected by Balkan wars from the others) and then within the ex-USSR, look at the Baltics, the Caucasus and Central Asia separately. Try the Economist or the UNDP National Development report for more specifics. Those in the EU ascension are now trying to adapt to EU laws.

They all face varying levels of market reforms that have painful for some segments of society (i.e. the elderly whose pensions would have been enough in the communist times) ; unemployment; corruption (at least in ex-USSR), etc. In the ex-USSR, large scale factories that were built to serve the entire USSR and relied on raw materials from elsewhere in the USSR are often not financially solvent for the independent republics to run since they may not have access to the raw materials in their own country...or if they do, whether they can still be competitive on an open market. There's a lot of illicit trafficking (of drugs, people, arms, etc.) in some of these countries.

Answer 2

Short answer: Mixed, though predominantly market economies.

Long answer: I have to say I am not all too certain about Georgia and Tajikistan, but all are growing mixed economies; all economies are suffering from various degrees of corruption -- almost always the big boys upstairs in the government taking kick-backs for big deals, in some cases all the way down to the clerk at the town hall who just won't rubber stamp something without getting a palm greasing, or the police who co-operate with local gang members to "govern" local businesses. So in countries where corruption is ubiquitous, it is hard to speak of a truly free market -- e.g. the difference between two former Soviet republics: Estonia (open and relatively free) and Belarus (quite closed, very bureaucratic and very corrupt).

Answer 3

The answer to this question is very long (potentially)... It depends what you would like to know. I can point you to some entries on my blog: http://travel.chinafinds.com
Once at the blog please search for entries on Bulgaria. I have visited Bulgaria on many occasions between 1990 and last year.
The economies of Poland, Chech republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, are all developing very fast. If you are considering traveling to one of these countries for pleasure, you will find very nice resorts and interesting sites to visit. Long story short, check out the blog and if you need ask additional questions. Will be happy to send you additional info.

Answer 4

i tell you about soviet repablics...so Ukrania trade with EU and Russia and have millions investation to ukranian government from Russia,Belorus trade by russia oil and get big money....Georgia is in big sh't,they cant to trade with other world,becouse they have no anuthing for it,only their wine,wich are illegal in world,becouse you will get illnest or simple death after such wine....they have millions from USA,USA pay salary for their government,but georgian government dont want pay salary and pensions to their native people...10$ in month is pension of georgia men........Azeirbojan have better situation,becouse they have oil,like Turkmenistan(in Turkmenistan water is expansive then oil.....7 cents for one litr of benzine(gas oil)......Kazakhstane have good resalts at their economy,its the richest country with higher salary at middle Asia......Tadjikeston is the poorest country like Georgia,they are drags coridor to europe from Afghanistan,but there are russian border police wich control situation....Armenia is not rich,but have trade with Russia and get millions from Russia,from millions of armenian wich live here and work,like others from all over the world,their cousins wich live in EU,RUSSIA,USA send money to their native brothers ,mothers...so at such way their economy add money to their economy.....Lithuania,Estonia,Latvia is members of EU,so they have good economy,but its fashists country,yesterday they was celabrated memory of hitler baltic army of SS.....Uzbekistan is poor too,like Kirgisia.....