Chapter 22 The Caucasus and Central Asia

Section One

The Caucus Nations

Georgia: Location and Geography Georgia is located between the Northern

Caucus and Lesser Caucus Mountains. It is on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. It is mostly mountainous. There are river valleys in the west and east

that have fertile soil for some agriculture….

Georgia: Climates and Economic Activities

Black Sea Region: Subtropical with warm winters and heavy

rainfall. Production of grapes, citrus fruits, tobacco,

tea, peaches, silk, wine and cognac. Many tourists come from Russia and

Eastern European nations….

Georgia: Climates and Economic Activities

Eastern Region: The climate is more continental with hot

summers, cold winters and less moisture. Farm production here consists of mostly

grains and vegetables….

Georgia: Cultures Population: 5 million 70% Georgians (around for over 2,500

years) The Georgian language and culture has

endured many occupations from neighboring nations such as Iran, Turkey, and Russia….

Georgia: Cultures Other ethnic groups: Each 8% Armenians Azeri Russians Abkhars and Ossentians less than 250,000

trying to get more autonomy. Jews: 17,000 left in Georgia…..

Armenia: Location, Geography and Economy

Landlocked between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, and Iran

Most terrain is rocky Southern valleys have some agriculture. Small factories exist in Yerevan. Rug making is a major craft…..

Armenia: History Armenians have occupied the area for over

2,000 years. They adopted Christianity in 300AD,

making Armenia the first officially Christian nation in history.

The national faith is the Armenian Apostolic Church (Orthodox in tradition)…..

Armenia: History Turkey and Armenia have had a bitter

history. World War I: Armenians were massacred

by Turks (1/3 were killed) This is known as the Armenian Genocide. Mount Ararat was traditionally in Armenian

territory, but is now in neighboring Turkey. For what is Mount Ararat famous?......

Armenia: Recent Conflicts Armenia and Azerbaijan in conflict over

territory. Former Soviet Union’s role. Massive migration of both groups in the mid

1990’s……

Azerbaijan Locate on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is rich in petroleum deposits, it’s main source of

wealth. Half of the population is rural. Many herd goats, sheep, and cattle. Others farm and produce fruit, cotton, tea and

silk. Azerbaijan has a mild and dry climate……

Azerbaijan: Economic Problems Azerbaijan hopes to further develop its vast oil reserves. Foreign capital is difficult to obtain for investment due to the

two factors: The area is prone to earthquakes. Russian interference. The Russians do not want the competition and have

restricted the building of any new pipelines. They can control the only one which now runs through

Russian territory and to Russian owned ports……

Azerbaijan: Environmental Problems

Severe pollution of the Caspian Sea is a major problem.

Air pollution is also a major issue due to overuse of pesticides ad fertilizers…..