Main Idea 2:
The countries of Central Asia
face issues and challenges related to
the environment, the economy, and politics.
Environmental
Challenges
• Shrinking of the
Aral Sea, with
dust storms and
impact on the
fishing industry
• Radiation left
over from
Soviet nuclear
bomb testing
• Overuse of
chemicals in
crop production
Economic
Challenges
• Reliance on one
crop, cotton
• Focus on cotton
has not
encouraged
development of
manufacturing
industries.
• Oil and gas
development
slowed by
outdated tools,
lack of funds,
poor transport
Political
Challenges
• Lack of political
stability
• Often faced
with terrorist
threats from
different
political groups
within their own
countries