Satellite nations were countries that were formally independent but heavily influenced or controlled politically, economically, and militarily by a more powerful state, most notably the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The term "satellite nation" was used primarily to describe Eastern European countries that were aligned with and under the influence of the Soviet Union after World War II

. The main Soviet satellite nations in Eastern Europe included:

• Albania
• Poland
• Czechoslovakia
• Hungary
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

These countries were part of the Soviet sphere of influence, serving as a buffer zone between the USSR and Western Europe. Although nominally independent, their governments were often controlled or heavily influenced by Moscow, and free elections were typically manipulated to ensure pro-Soviet outcomes

. The concept originated as the Soviet Union sought to secure its western borders and spread communist ideology after liberating Eastern Europe from Nazi Germany during World War II. Soviet troops remained stationed in these countries, and the USSR exerted significant control over their political and economic systems

. Beyond Europe, Mongolia and Tuva were also considered Soviet satellite states during the 20th century, reflecting Soviet influence in Asia as well

. In summary, satellite nations were countries that, while officially sovereign, were under the dominant influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, serving both strategic and ideological purposes for the USSR.