the caucasus nations
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Chapter 22. The Caucasus Nations. Nations that make up this part of the world include Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. All three countries existed as Soviet republics in the former Soviet Union. Their populations still contain many Russians and Ukranians . - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
THE CAUCASUS NATIONSChapter 22
THE CAUCASUS NATIONS (SECTION ONE) Nations that make up this part of the
world include Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
All three countries existed as Soviet republics in the former Soviet Union. Their populations still contain many
Russians and Ukranians. Many of these nation’s problems are
rooted in the problems of the former Soviet Union.
GEORGIAN FLAG
GEORGIA Slightly larger than the state of West Virginia.
Capital is Tbilisi. Climate –
Subtropical in the west warm winters and heavy rainfall. Conducive for growing grapes, citrus fruits, tobacco,
peaches, and silks. Continental in the east.
Hot summers and cold winters, coupled with less moisture. Continental climate allows mostly grains and vegetables to
be grown here.
ECONOMIC DECLINE AND GROWTH As with many of the former republics, Georgia
suffered after the fall of communism. Inflation grew nearly 1,500 percent in one year. Since the mid 1990’s, the economy has taken
strides. Agriculture and machinery manufacturing have been key. Other facets include the production of manganese, and
the extraction of coal, petroleum and natural gas. Construction of an oil pipeline in the late 90’s has
promised greater foreign investment.
CULTURE With a population of about 5 million, 70 percent
are descendant of ethnic Georgians who have occupied the area for more than 2,500 years. They maintain a distinctive language and culture,
despite the infringement of other ethnic groups in the region.
Other ethnic groups include Armenians, Azeris, and Russians as well as Abkhars and the Ossentians.
The latter group has pressed for more autonomy in the country.
17,000 jews remain in Georgia.
ARMENIAN FLAG
ARMENIA About the size of Maryland.
Capital is Yerevan Most of the terrain is rocky.
Farming is done in the southern valleys of Armenia.
Rug making is a traditional craft. In both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Very small manufacturing base in the
capital of Yerevan.
UNDERSTANDING ARMENIA’S PAST Armenians are said to have occupied the Southern
Caucasus for more than 2,000 years. The symbol of Armenia is Noah’s Ark, as Mt. Ararat
is where Noah’s Ark is said to have settled after the great flood. Though the mountain actually lies within present day
Turkey. Turkey and Armenia have had strained relations.
At the outbreak of World War 1, Turkish forces tried to deport Armenians in Turkey. Armenians died en route to their homeland or were deliberately killed by the Turks.
RECENT CONFLICTS Recent conflicts have been with Azerbaijan. These are
religious in nature as Azeris are predominantly Islamic. Nationalism and the desire to rule themselves in Azerbaijan
have heightened the conflict. Policies of the Soviet Union heightened tensions.
The Soviet Union placed areas settled by the Armenians under Azerbaijan.
The disputed area is called Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1991, Armenia invaded the region and by 1994, had gained control of it.
The conflict has caused a large amount of transition 350,000 Armenians left Azerbaijan and likewise 190,000 Azeris
fled Armenia.
FLAG OF AZERBAIJAN
AZERBAIJAN 8 Million people live in Azerbaijan.
Half the nations inhabitants live in rural areas. 90 percent of the population is ethnic Azeris. Minorities left because of the recent ethnic conflicts.
Rich deposits of petroleum. Azerbaijan’s main source of wealth.
Farming occurs in the valleys of the Kura and Aras Rivers. Farmers produce fruits, cotton, tea, and silk in the
mild and dry climate.
ECONOMIC PROBLEMS The common theme of economic problems
after the fall of Communism does not escape Azerbaijan. Vast development of oil reserves in the Caspian
is a spot of hope for the Azeris. Though the area is vulnerable to earthquakes. Russians are a direct obstacle for Armenia to
build it’s own pipeline. Neither has the conflict with Armenia
helped the economy.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE Petroleum and other chemical industries
has severely harmed the environment. Caspian sea has been badly polluted.
There are far fewer fish in the water. Apsheron Peninsula is considered one of the most
ecologically damaged regions in the world. Air pollution is also a major problem.
Overuse of pesticides and fertilizers. Demand for economic recovery interferes with
the desire to clean up the pollution.