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.