Introduction to Northern Eurasia
Introduction to Northern EurasiaNorthern Eurasia is made up of those countries that were once part of the Soviet Union
Areal names of the Former Soviet UnionCzarist (Tsarist) Russia/ImperialRussia/Russian EmpireSoviet Union or USSRCommonwealth of Independent States (CIS)Russia and the Near AbroadRegions-European Russia, Asiatic Russia, Transcaucasus, Siberia, The Baltic States, Central Asia
RegionsEuropean RussiaCentral Asian RepublicsCaucasus SiberiaBaltic StatesBelarus, Moldova, Ukraine
General Pattern of LandformsPlains in the WestMountains andhighlands in the EastVaries to the South
Major Physical Attributes:Large size
Major Physical Attributes:Northern Location
Major Physical Attributes:Restricted access to worlds seas
Major Physical Attributes:Several large lakes and inland seas
ClimateHarsh in the north and in SiberiaHumid continental in EuropeArid/semiarid in Central Asia
Four broad vegetation zonesTundraForest/taigaGrasslandDesert
The physical geography of N. Eurasia has influenced its historyWestern border links to Western ideas (language, culture, religion)Huge border is difficult to protect.Large land area and climate make it difficult to conquer Many different ethnic groups widely dispersedLarge area is difficult to administerDesire to gain and protect warm water portsVast natural resources, but difficult to exploit.
Many ethnic groups with different languages and religions
The core area and most of the population is located in the west--the European part of N. Eurasia
Period of Communist control lasted from 1917 to 19911917 Bolshevik Revolution overthrew Czar Nicholas II.
Many challenges are being faced as this realm transitions away from communism.Economic problems--high unemployment, poor economic decisions, inefficient and outdated industriesSocial problems--ethnic clashes, loss of communist safety net, organized crime
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism Aral Sea at 10% capacity
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism Aral Sea at 10% capacity
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism Aral Sea
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism
Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism Toxic waste
Sign warns of a radioactive river.22Environmental degradation is one legacy of communism Industrial pollution
Contributions from this realm;Peter TchaikovskiDostoyevskyLeo TolstoyMikhail BaryshnikovMarc ChagallDmitry MendeleyevIgor StravinskyIvan PavlovSergei ProkofievYuri Gagarian
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