Place names are a window into the history and characteristics of a country.
Their names reflect the migrations of peoples, their religious and cultural traditions, local languages, conquests and fortifications long since disappeared. They also reflect the topography and industrial development of a place. Events which might have had an impact on the geographical extent of a country are covered, as are foreign influences which may have played a part in shaping place names. Recent political changes, such as the changes in Eastern Europe since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, are also included. Both English and local names are listed, as well as former names.