♤ The region is rich in diverse energy resources.

♤ It is a landlocked region. The region consists of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

♤ The Central Asian Republics (CARs) emerged as independent states in 1991, after the disintegration of Soviet Union

♤ Central Asia has a population of about 70 million, consisting of five republics:

o Kazakhstan (18 million),

o Kyrgyzstan (6 million),

o Tajikistan (9 million),

o Turkmenistan (6 million), and

o Uzbekistan (31 million).

♤ Afghanistan (pop. 35 million) is also sometimes included

♤ In the post cold war period, the Central Asian countries have engaged themselves in nation building and consolidation of their statehoods.

♤ The pessimistic scenarios feared in the early nineties of Central Asia disintegrating have not fortunately been realized. No state has become a failing state. On the contrary, countries like Kazakhstan have made great strides.

♤ At the same time, the Central Asian countries continue to face daunting socio-economic and security problems.

♤ The relations among themselves are far from smooth. Issues like water security, borders, environmental degradation and migration have become acute and pose serious challenge to regional stability. Religious extremism & fundamentalism.