After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the constituent republics made their choice, and most of them came out of the influence of the Russian Federation, forming separate states. So did Transcaucasia. 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
The countries that existed in antiquity 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 the Assyrian sources of the reign of King Ashshurnatsirapal II. Previously nomadic, they settled along the shores of Lake Van, becoming artisans, farmers, and cattle breeders.
By the 8th century, the inhabitants of the kingdom had not only their own language and writing, but also religion, and the division of the country into regions with local government and subordination of central authority in the person of the king and government.
Thanks to military campaigns in the territory of modern Syria and advancement to the countries of Transcaucasia, Urartu has significantly expanded its possessions. Fortified cities, irrigation canals and aqueducts were built in 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 wealth of the region itself formed the basis of the myth of the Golden Fleece, for which the Argonauts led by Jason went.
What is surprising in 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, to leave a rich architectural and cultural heritage, under constant pressure from the outside.
Georgia
This country occupies the central and western part of the region and borders with Azerbaijan, Russia, Armenia and Turkey.
The countries of the CIS, Transcaucasia, including Georgia, faced with changes in the economy and the development of international relations, which had to be re-established after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since industry was not developed in the entire region during the Soviet era, Georgia, for example, had to start developing its own mineral resources, including:
- Coal deposits estimated at more than 200 million tons.
- Oil reserves - 4.8 million tons.
- Natural gas - 8.5 billion m 3 .
- Manganese deposits occupy more than 4% of the world reserves of this ore and amount to 223 million tons, which puts Georgia in 4th place on the planet for its extraction.
- Among the non-ferrous metals, copper is the leader, with over 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 place among the CIS countries in deposits of bentonite clay, there are deposits of gold, antimony, cadmium, diatomite and other minerals. The main property of the country is 2,000 mineral springs, among which the most famous are the Borzhomi, Tskhaltubo, Akhaltsikh and Lugel.
Another pride of the Georgian people are wines that are produced in the country. They are well known in the post-Soviet space and abroad. The national cuisine is not far 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 in which the tourism and resort business, winemaking, and the cultivation of citrus fruits and tea are most developed.
Armenia
This country has the least favorable geographical location, since it has no access to the sea, which has a slight effect on its economy.
Nevertheless, if we take Transcaucasia, the countries included in it, then Armenia is the leader in mechanical engineering and the chemical industry. Most of the industry is engaged in the production of electronic and radio devices, machine tools and automobiles.
Non- ferrous metallurgy is not inferior to them , thanks to which the country produces copper, aluminum, molybdenum concentrate and noble metals.
The winemaking and cognac products of Armenia 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 non-CIS countries.
Azerbaijan
If we take the countries of Transcaucasia and Central Asia, Azerbaijan occupies one of the leading places in the extraction and processing of oil products and gas.
The richest deposits in this country are:
- oil on the Absheron peninsula and the shelf of the Caspian Sea;
- natural gas in 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 it is Azerbaijan that leads in this industry.
Despite differences in economic development, culture, religion and population, parts of this territory have something in common. This is the geographical position 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 the diversity of landscapes in such a small territory. 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.
Suram Ridge divides the region into 2 climatic zones. So, this territory is divided into dry subtropics in the east and wet - 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 joining the Commonwealth of Subtropical Economy for the cultivation of tea, citrus fruits, bay leaves, tobacco, geraniums and grapes.
Population
If you take Transcaucasia as a whole (which countries you are a part of, you already know), then Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Georgians, Abkhazians and Adzharians will make up 90% of the region’s population. The rest are Russians, Kurds, Ossetians and Lezgins. Today, more than 17 million people live in this region.