The Stan CountriesThe Stan CountriesOK PASS Standard 2: Objective 1-2OK PASS Standard 2: Objective 1-2

Standard 4: Objective 1 Standard 4: Objective 1

By: Karlie FreeBy: Karlie Free

Map of the Middle East and Stan Countries.Map of the Middle East and Stan Countries.

The StansThe Stans

• The suffix "stan" means nation or land.

• Thus, Afghanistan means "land of the Afghans.“

• There are seven countries that end in the suffix “stan:" Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Russian HistoryRussian History

• Until late in the 20th century, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were all part of the former Soviet Union. They all became independent states (countries) in 1991 when the U.S.S.R. dissolved.

• Today these countries are a very diverse region.

Why do we need to understand the Why do we need to understand the “Stan” countries?“Stan” countries?

• Region of conflict in Central Asia

• Oil producing region

• The United States helps these countries economically

• Great environmental damage in these countries.

Key Terms to understanding the Key Terms to understanding the Stan countries.Stan countries.

• Refugee – A person who flees war or other disasters.

• Dictatorship – A form of government in which power is held by a leader who has absolute authority.

• Landlocked – Having no direct access to the sea.

Factors that have caused war and conflict in the Stan Factors that have caused war and conflict in the Stan countries.countries.

Pullout of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. 1988.

After the Soviet union pulled out of the Stan countries, the Islamic Militant Group the Taliban took over political and military control in some of these countries such as Afghanistan.

U.S. soldiers stuck in sand in U.S. soldiers stuck in sand in Afghanistan in 2001Afghanistan in 2001

The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in 2001 after it was suspected that Osama bin Laden leader of the militant al- Qaeda terrorist group was guilty of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and was hiding out in Afghanistan.

Recently, President Obama has ordered a troop surge for 1 year to 18 months and then a gradual pull-out. At the end of this time, Afghanistan should be under their own control

PakistanPakistan

• The President acted more like a dictator.

• You can’t be called an elected President and wear a military uniform.

• World powers made him retire from the military.

• A lot of corruption—being asked to step down or another election

• Need Pakistan friendly for War on Terror.

Farmers in KyrgyzstanFarmers in Kyrgyzstan

The main economic activity in the Central Asian Stan countries is agriculture.

COTTON FIELDS

Environmental IssuesEnvironmental Issues

• Soviet Union caused great environmental damage in the region due to nuclear testing.

• Radiation has caused serious health problems including cancer and birth defects.

• Drying of the Aral Sea has occurred.• However most of the land in the Stans remain

healthy and if this land can be preserved it will be a very important asset for these Central Asian Countries.

The Grand mosque of Pavlodar, found The Grand mosque of Pavlodar, found in Kazakhstan.in Kazakhstan.

Just like in the Middle East, Central Eastern Stan countries practice different religions.

The majority of people in this region practice Islam but a wide group of people of the region are Orthodox Christians influenced by Russian culture.

Russia’sSpaceProgram IsLocated In Kazakstan

Some areas have largeOil/natural gas deposits.

Kazakstan was alsoUsed for USSR’sNuclearBomb testing.Many areas areStill consideredTo be hazardousTo your health.

Central AsiaWas knownFor being theCrossroadsFor the SilkRoad.Trade RouteLinking ChinaWith theWesternWorld and theMiddle East.

In SummaryIn Summary

• The Stan countries include: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan.

• A region of conflict and war

• Agricultural society with some developed cities.

• Environmental Issues due to nuclear testing of the Soviet Union.