Central Asia is a geographically diverse, landlocked region in the heart of Asia, east of the Caspian Sea. It is composed of five former Soviet republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries are also known as the "-stans" due to the Persian suffix in their names, meaning "land". Bordering Russia to the north, China and Mongolia to the east, and Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to the south, Central Asia has historically served as a crossroads of nomadic cultures and trade routes like the Silk Road. The region is characterized by vast plains, high mountain ranges like the Tian Shan and Pamirs, and deserts such as the Kyzylkum and Karakum. Its climate is largely dry with significant temperature variations.
Known for its strategic location and natural resources, Central Asia is gaining attention as an emerging market. Kazakhstan, in particular, holds vast reserves of petroleum, uranium, and other minerals. Recent developments indicate a push for regional economic integration, improvements in security, and cooperation in addressing climate change and energy needs. For example, in March 2025, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan reached a historic agreement to end a border dispute. There's also growing interest in a visa-free zone between Central Asian countries. The region is actively investing in digital transformation, with initiatives in AI, blockchain, and smart city projects. Kazakhstan has announced its intention to join the Abraham Accords, signed onto US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, and received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Group of Twenty (G20) summit in Miami.
