Chapter 22 The Caucasus and Central Asia

Section 1

Where do most of the people in Russia live and why? Focus Question Where do most of the people in Russia live and why?

The Caucasus Nations Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan

Georgia Fertile soils Climate Under Communist Soviet Rule until 1990 Subtropical Climates Citrus plants Continental Climates Grains Under Communist Soviet Rule until 1990 Population: 5 Million Most people are Georgian Minorities are Ukrainians, Russians, and Armenians Minorities want more Autonomy (independence)

Armenia Small nation Terrain: Rocky Controlled by Turkey After WWI Turkey tried to deport all Armenians Turkey massacred 1/3 of all Armenians Known as the Armenia Genocide After WWII controlled by the soviets until 1990 Gained independence in 1991

Azerbaijan Rich Oil Reserves Population: 8 million Country main revenue Population: 8 million Natural Disasters: Earthquakes Controlled by the soviets until 1991 Armenia and Azerbaijan do not get along Constant fighting along the boarders

Section 2

The “Stan” countries Kazakhstan Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Formed from the breakup of the Soviet Union Stan means land of First syllable is the main ethnicity of the region

Physical Characteristics Terrain varies by each nation Climate- arid to semiarid Rainfall- 2-10 inches/year Natural Resources Chernozem- rich topsoil Oil and natural gas

People and Cultures Each nation has a large minority base Russians live in each country 4 main language groups Kazakhs, Turkmen, Uzbeck, and Kyrgz Russian is an unofficial language that many speak Religion: Islamic Many people are herders The region is beginning to Industrialize