After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the republics that were part of it decided on their choice, and most of them left the influence of the Russian Federation, forming separate states. Transcaucasia did the same. The countries that were part of this region in 1990 became independent powers. These are Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. The characteristics of the countries of the Caucasus are presented in the article.
History of the region
Countries that existed in ancient times on the site of modern Transcaucasia were well known beyond its borders. For example, in the 9th century BC. e. on the territory of Armenia there was a strong and rich Urartian kingdom. The unification of tribes in this region began in the 13th century BC. e., as evidenced by Assyrian sources from the reign of King Ashurnatsirapal II. Previously nomadic, they settled along the shores of Lake Van, becoming artisans, farmers and herders.
By the 8th century, the inhabitants of the kingdom had not only their own language and script, but also religion, anddivision of the country into regions with local administration and subordination to the central authority represented by the king and the government.
Thanks to military campaigns on the territory of modern Syria and advancement to the countries of the Caucasus, Urartu significantly expanded its possessions. Fortified cities, irrigation canals and aqueducts were built on the conquered territories, and state granaries were created in case of a siege.
No less famous is the history of Colchis, located on the territory of modern Georgia. The people who inhabited it were famous for jewelers, blacksmiths and metallurgists. Their skill and the we alth of the region itself formed the basis of the myth of the Golden Fleece, for which the Argonauts, led by Jason, set off.
What is amazing about the history of these ancient states that make up Transcaucasia? The countries of which it consists today were able to form their own languages and customs, leave a rich architectural and cultural heritage, being under constant pressure from outside.
Georgia
This country occupies the central and western part of the region and borders Azerbaijan, Russia, Armenia and Turkey.
The countries of the CIS, Transcaucasia, including Georgia, faced changes in the economy and the development of international relations, which had to be rebuilt after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since during the Soviet era industry was not developed in the entire region, Georgia, for example, had to start developing minerals on its own, including:
- Coal deposits estimated at more than 200 million tons.
- Oil reserves – 4, 8million tons.
- Natural gas - 8.5 billion m3.
- Deposits of manganese account for more than 4% of the world's reserves of this ore and amount to 223 million tons, which puts Georgia in 4th place on the planet in terms of its production.
- Among non-ferrous metals, the leader is copper, which has more than 700,000 tons in the country, lead (120,000 tons) and zinc (270,000 tons).
In addition to the above, the country occupies a leading position among the CIS countries in terms of deposits of bentonite clay, there are deposits of gold, antimony, cadmium, diatomite and other minerals. The main asset of the country is 2000 mineral springs, among which the most famous are Borjomi, Tskh altub, Akh altsikhe and Lugel.
Another pride of the Georgian people are the wines that are produced in the country. They are well known in the post-Soviet space and abroad. National cuisine does not lag behind in popularity, which, according to the results of a special international jury, takes 5th place in the world.
Today Georgia is a prosperous country with the most developed tourism and resort business, winemaking, citrus and tea growing.
Armenia
This country has the least favorable geographic location, as it has no access to the sea, which somewhat affects its economy.
Nevertheless, if we take the Transcaucasus, the countries included in it, then it is Armenia that is the leader in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry. Most ofindustry is engaged in the production of electronic and radio devices, machine tools and automotive industry.
Non-ferrous metallurgy is not inferior to them, thanks to which copper, aluminum, molybdenum concentrate and precious metals are produced in the country.
Armenian wine and cognac products are well known abroad. In agriculture, figs, pomegranates, almonds and olives are grown for export.
A highly developed network of railways and highways allows the country to trade not only with its neighbors, but also with far abroad.
Azerbaijan
If we take the countries of the Caucasus, Central Asia, then Azerbaijan occupies one of the leading places in the extraction and processing of oil products and gas.
This country has the richest deposits:
- oil on the Absheron Peninsula and the shelf of the Caspian Sea;
- natural gas at Karadag;
- iron ore, copper and molybdenum in Nakhichevan.
Most of the agriculture belongs to cotton growing, and viticulture occupies half of the gross turnover, which gives all of Transcaucasia. The countries of this region grow grapes, but Azerbaijan is the leader in this industry.
Despite the differences in economic development, culture, religion and population, parts of this territory have something in common. This is the geographical location of the countries of the Caucasus, due to which their natural resources and climate have similar features.
Climatic zones of Transcaucasia
This region leads the world in diversitylandscapes in such a small area. This is due to the fact that a significant part of the land in these countries is occupied by mountains (the Greater and Lesser Caucasus), and only a third is lowland. In this regard, land suitable for agriculture is extremely limited here.
Suram Range divides the region into 2 climatic zones. Thus, this territory is subdivided into dry subtropics in the east and wet subtropics in the west, which affects the irrigation system and crops: in some regions there is an excess of water for irrigation, in others it is sorely lacking. Nevertheless, this did not prevent Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan from uniting in the Commonwe alth of Subtropical Farming for growing tea, citrus fruits, bay leaves, tobacco, geraniums and grapes.
Population
If we take Transcaucasia as a whole (which countries are included in it, you already know), then Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Georgians, Abkhazians and Adjarians will make up 90% of the population of the region. The rest are Russians, Kurds, Ossetians and Lezgins. Today, more than 17 million people live in this region.
