Setting the stage: Key features of the present-day central Asian Region: An introduction to the wider historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and ecologic contexts of the region in a nutshell

Abstract

The Central Asian region is a vast area encompassing six countries, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and part of western China. This definition follows UNESCOs classification. The chapter focuses on describing Central Asias biophysical context. It outlines the key features, challenges, responses, and opportunities. It is meant as an introduction to the wider historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and ecologic contexts of the region and sets the stage for what follows in the remaining chapters.