Central Asia

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Central Asia[edit | edit source]

Central Asia

Central Asia is a region of Asia that stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and from Afghanistan in the south to Russia in the north. It is a region rich in history, culture, and diversity, often considered the crossroads of various civilizations due to its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Central Asia is typically defined to include the five republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. However, the region can also encompass parts of northern Afghanistan, western China, and even parts of Mongolia.

Different definitions of Central Asia

The region is characterized by vast steppes, deserts, and mountain ranges. The Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains are significant geographical features, providing a natural barrier and influencing the climate and ecology of the area.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Central Asia experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The region is largely arid or semi-arid, with deserts such as the Karakum and Kyzylkum covering significant areas.

Köppen climate classification map of Central Asia (1991–2020)

History[edit | edit source]

Central Asia has been a melting pot of cultures and peoples throughout history. It was a crucial part of the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. The region has seen the rise and fall of many empires, including the Persian Empire, the Mongol Empire, and the Timurid Empire.

Indo-European migrations

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of Central Asia is diverse, with significant natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Agriculture also plays a vital role, with cotton being a major crop in countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Kazakhstan steppe, Zhambyl Province

Culture[edit | edit source]

Central Asia is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The region's cultural heritage is influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations. Traditional music, dance, and crafts are integral to the cultural identity of Central Asian peoples.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The population of Central Asia is ethnically diverse, with major ethnic groups including Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turkmen, and Kyrgyz. The region is predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the major religion.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issy-Kol
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD