After the collapse of the USSR, three independent states were formed on the territory of Transcaucasia - the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Georgia. Despite the geographical proximity, each of them has its own history, they are distinguished by their national identity, they are different in natural resources and culture, geopolitical orientation. Before the collapse of the USSR, the Transcaucasian republics in terms of economic development were at the level of moderately developed industrial-agrarian countries. In post-Soviet history, they also have much in common.

During the years of independence, none of the Transcaucasian republics managed to avoid a total decline in production, impoverishment and migration of the population, military-political clashes both between the republics themselves (Armenia - Azerbaijan), and within each of them (Georgia, Azerbaijan). The rupture of former economic ties, socio-economic and political instability, a sharp stratification of the population in terms of the level and quality of life, corruption and criminalization of society affected.

Russia is interested in building relations with integral and stable Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. It is beneficial for these countries to cope with social and economic turmoil and embarked on the path of sustainable development. Transcaucasia geographically, historically, economically and politically was and remains closely connected with Russia. Economic levers remain the main factor of Russia's influence in the region.

Russia will have to resolve with the Transcaucasian states not only the question of the Russian language, the situation of the Russian and Russian-speaking population in these states, but also the problems of numerous diasporas of the Transcaucasian peoples in the Russian Federation. We must not forget that despite all the possible shortcomings and difficulties, Russia's peacekeeping activities have played and continue to play a key role in resolving conflicts in the Transcaucasus and in establishing a relatively stable peace in this region.

Let us briefly dwell on the features of the development of each of the countries of the Transcaucasus and their interaction with Russia.

The Republic of Azerbaijan

On October 18, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act “On State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. The first post-Soviet decade was for the new state a time of socio-economic and political transformations and upheavals, independent entry into the world arena. The formation of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in the conditions of a deep ethno-political crisis caused by the Karabakh conflict. As a result of the military clash between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh actually seceded from the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In the early 90s. 20th century A situation close to political and economic anarchy has developed in Azerbaijan. Coming to power in 1993 G.A. Aliyev, who acted as a national and authoritative leader of Azerbaijan, contributed to the stabilization, strengthening of statehood, and the suspension of a severe economic crisis.

Since the mid 90s. positive trends are observed in Azerbaijan to slow down the pace of negative processes in the economy, increase oil production, and strengthen the national currency. The development of agriculture, including Cotton growing, fruit growing and viticulture are traditional for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has significant transport potential, which can turn the republic into one of the centers of international trade and re-export. The republic is ahead of most CIS countries in terms of foreign investment, the lion's share of these investments is directed to oil production. At the official level, the desire to turn Azerbaijan into a “new Kuwait” was declared, it is planned to increase oil production in 2010 to 60 million tons per year 7 .

At the same time, Azerbaijan still has many economic and social problems. Trade for many Azerbaijanis remains the only area where you can earn at least something. Great migration processes. According to various sources, there are currently up to 1.5 million Azerbaijanis in the Russian Federation alone; about 60% of the population of the republic lives at the expense of funds earned in Russia.

In foreign policy, Azerbaijan follows the multi-vector principle, but at the same time emphasizes special relations with Turkey. During a visit in February 1994, G.A. Aliyev to Turkey, the formula “one nation, two states” was used. There is an obvious trend towards expanding military cooperation between Baku and Ankara, and this cooperation is increasingly taking on the contours of a geopolitical military alliance.

The Azerbaijani leadership is developing ties with the OSCE, the Council of Europe and NATO, intensifying relations with the US and Western European countries.

Russian-Azerbaijani relations in the 90s. 20th century developed unevenly, primarily because of the Karabakh problem. AT last years Russian-Azerbaijani relations have been given a dynamic, pragmatic and mutually beneficial character. An important role in these positive processes was played by the visit of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to Azerbaijan and the visit of the new President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Moscow. Azerbaijani-Russian relations are not without problems, but these problems are completely solvable, including those related to oil, gas and their transportation, as well as cooperation in the Caspian Sea.

Republic of Armenia

The Republic of Armenia is associated with Russian Federation bonds of friendship and strategic partnership. After the collapse of the USSR, Armenia went through difficult times. There has been a sharp decline in production, there has been an increase in the shadow economy and unemployment. According to experts, during the post-reform period, Armenia lost about 90% of its economic potential, its GDP decreased by 10 times, including industrial production by 80%. There was a massive bankruptcy of industrial enterprises, the curtailment of high-tech industries and scientific research.

The situation is aggravated by the limited natural resources of Armenia, as well as its transport blockade as a result of the armed conflict with Azerbaijan. The country has no access to the sea, which isolates it from the centers of not only world but also regional development. In addition, the Republic is forced to allocate significant funds to eliminate the consequences of the terrible earthquake of 1988. Then 25 thousand people died in the northern regions of Armenia, tens of thousands were left homeless.

During the Soviet years, Armenia was characterized by a high level of education and culture, a significant intellectual potential. Now, due to the difficult economic and social situation of the country, most of the able-bodied population, including highly qualified specialists, has emigrated, which has led to hard-to-replace losses.

Creating a new state in difficult conditions, Armenia, among other things, relies on the powerful genetic potential and traditions of its people, who for many centuries stubbornly defended their national identity. Having adopted Christianity as the official state religion in 301, Armenia became the foremost Christian outpost, which not without success resisted Islamization. She gave the world outstanding educators, scientists, cultural figures. Now it is a nation-state with a practically homogeneous ethnic, cultural and confessional people. Large, relatively rich and influential Armenian diasporas in the United States, in France, in the countries of the Near and Middle East. The Armenian diaspora in Russia, mainly in Moscow and the Krasnodar Territory, has 2 million people 8 .

As for Nagorno-Karabakh, the vast majority of the population of Armenia is in favor of its entry into the republic. However, the leadership of the country (at least in words) does not set the task of joining Karabakh to Armenia and speaks out in favor of giving the people of Karabakh the right to determine their own destiny. Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in May 1994, which is observed in principle, serious contradictions between the conflicting parties remain.

In the current geopolitical situation, Russia remains, in essence, the only country capable of providing all-round support to Armenia. Throughout the existence of Armenia as an independent state, there were practically no disputes in Russian-Armenian relations, unlike other Transcaucasian republics, which, for various reasons, often defiantly distanced themselves from Russia. There is no clearly anti-Russian sentiment in the country. At the same time, in recent years, the activation of political forces oriented towards the West is obvious. Armenia's relations with Greece and Iran are developing.

The tragic death on October 27, 1999 of K. Demirchyan, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and V. Sargsyan, the Prime Minister of the country, who adhered to the pro-Russian orientation, did not lead to a weakening of Russian positions in Armenia. Visits of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to Armenia in 2001 and 2005. confirmed the strategic partnership between the two states. Trade and economic ties and military-technical cooperation are being strengthened between Russia and Armenia.

Russia's military presence in Armenia is tangible. At the military bases there are MIG-29 fighter-interceptors, a division of the S-300V air defense system - the most powerful anti-aircraft missiles in the world. The presence of Russian border troops on the territory of the republic has been legally formalized. The Armenian army is armed with Russian weapons. Russia, in essence, took upon itself the obligation to guarantee the security of the Armenian people and state.

Having close and multilateral ties with Russia and Western countries, having a sufficiently combat-ready and effective army, Armenia is able to influence the provision of geopolitical stability in the region. In turn, Russia relies on Armenia to protect its strategic interests in the Transcaucasian region.

Republic of Georgia

Georgia is the first former republics The Soviet Union, where free parliamentary (October 1990) and presidential (May 1991) elections were held, in which Z. Gamsakhurdia won. During his tenure in power, the leadership of Georgia took a course of breaking off relations with Russia, and from the very beginning, radicals, fighters “against imperial evil and violence” took over in the national movement of the republic.

Patriotic doping and the search for enemies overshadowed the main thing - economic, social and state building. Georgia's GDP declined many times and amounted to early XXI in. 1/4 of the gross product of the Krasnodar Territory. Georgia, until recently flourishing and rich, is now one of the poorest countries in the world. The population of Georgia has decreased, every fourth inhabitant of the country has left for permanent residence in Russia 9 .

The situation in the country is seriously aggravated by conflicts with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. A distinctive feature of the events connected with Abkhazia is that the people who make up less than a fifth of the population of the Republic of Georgia have embarked on the path of independence and the creation of their own state. As of January 1, 1990, the population of Abkhazia totaled 537 thousand people, of which 44% are Georgians, 17% Abkhazians, 16% Russians, 15% Armenians 10 . On the night of August 13-14, 1992, units of the National Guard and the regular army of Georgia entered Sukhumi. A war began, which Georgia lost.

The national chauvinist forces of Georgia prompted the South Ossetians to make an attempt to secede, to which the Georgian parliament immediately reacted by abolishing South Ossetian autonomy. In response to the disagreement of the Ossetians in 1991, forceful methods were used. The Ossetians defeated the Georgians. In June 1993, a truce and a ceasefire were declared. The result of the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict is more than 1 thousand killed, over 90 villages burned, tens of thousands of refugees.

During the reign of E. Shevardnadze, Georgia's relations with Russia were characterized by unevenness, contradictory statements and actions. With the coming to power of M. Saakashvili in September 2003, there was hope that there would be a turn for the better in the relations between the two countries. At first, the rhetoric changed, and an interstate dialogue began to take shape. But then statements from Georgia regarding Russia began to sound sharper and more insulting.

M. Saakashvili, as a politician, strives to play on a large geopolitical field. He is inclined to consider himself a kind of prophet of “color” revolutions in the post-Soviet space. In fact, the geopolitical ambitions of the leader of the “Rose Revolution” clearly do not correspond to his real capabilities.

The President of Georgia has repeatedly made unfounded accusations against Russia, including at the 61st session of the UN in September 2006. At the same time, he constantly emphasizes his orientation towards the United States and special relations with them. This is confirmed by his desire to join NATO, speed up the process of withdrawing Russian military bases from the territory of Georgia, strengthen and train the armed forces with the help of the Americans.

There is constant pressure on the seceded territories, provocations against Russian peacekeepers do not stop. Russia's patience was overflowing with the demonstrative arrest in Tbilisi of several Russian officers who were in Georgia on legal grounds. The Russian Federation followed up with retaliatory actions regarding economic relations, transport communications, and illegal migration. On Russia's initiative, in the fall of 2006, the UN Security Council submitted and unanimously approved a resolution condemning the belligerent rhetoric and illegal actions of the Georgian side in the zone of the Georgian-Abkhazian and Georgian-South Ossetian conflicts, extending the mandate of the Russian peacekeeping forces.

The precedent of the secession of Montenegro from Serbia, the obvious contradiction between such principles of international law as the principle of territorial integrity and the right of the nation to self-determination, the course taken by the leadership of Georgia to decide territorial problems with the help of force - all this further exacerbates the situation around Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are internationally recognized conflict zones.

In 2006, for the first time, Russia officially recognized the legitimacy of South Ossetia's desire for self-determination. The statement of the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation noted: “We respect the principle of territorial integrity. But so far this integrity in relation to Georgia is rather a possible state than a political and legal reality. And it can be created only as a result of complex negotiations, in which the initial South Ossetian position, as we understand it, is based on a principle no less recognized in the international community - the right to self-determination” 11 .

Restoring the territorial integrity of Georgia in the foreseeable future is an intractable task. The Russian side continues to pursue a line of restraint and prudence with regard to the Georgian-Abkhazian and Georgian-South Ossetian conflicts, emphasizing that it will act in accordance with the norms of international law and the will of the peoples. Russia is not going to include new territories in its composition, it has no such plans, emphasized the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin at a meeting in Novo-Ogaryovo with the heads of news agencies of the G8 countries and repeating this in television responses to questions from Russian citizens on October 25, 2006. At the same time, he noted that “not only residents of South Ossetia or Abkhazia will find it difficult to explain why in Kosovo it is possible to secede from the country in which they are now formally located, but they cannot” 12 .

Russia does not shy away from the responsibility that mediation and peacekeeping duties place on it. The Russian Federation stands for the territorial integrity of Georgia, but pushing Abkhazia and South Ossetia towards Tbilisi means encouraging a state that openly opposes itself to Russia in geopolitical terms. In addition, Russia cannot but take into account that most of the inhabitants of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are Russian citizens (the process of actively accepting Russian citizenship took place in 2000-2004).

Ultimately, it is not in Georgia's interests to aggravate relations with Russia. One can agree with the opinion of those who note that “Russia is Georgia’s first trading partner, the first buyer of its products, the main market for its labor force, the largest source of its foreign exchange earnings, the main supplier of gas, etc.” 13 . Russia, of course, is not interested in escalating tension. The Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia are historically, geographically, economically, culturally connected by incomparably more than what separates them so far.

Objectively, Russia and the Transcaucasian countries are destined to live side by side and together. Therefore, the main task is to find the best ways and forms of cooperation in all areas, skillfully matching and taking into account the national and geopolitical interests of the Russian Federation and the post-Soviet states of the Transcaucasus.

Transcaucasia includes Georgia, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. All these states are presidential unitary republics. Georgia includes Adjara, and Azerbaijan includes Nakhichevan and Nagorno-Karabakh, which actually left Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan are members of the CIS, while Georgia, in response to Russia's recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, withdrew from the CIS.
Territory and population of the countries of Transcaucasia
Table 32

Transcaucasia is located in the southwest of the CIS. In the west, Transcaucasia has access to the Black Sea (Abkhazia and Georgia), and in the east it is washed by the Caspian Sea-lake (Azerbaijan). In the north, the Transcaucasian countries (Abkhazia, Georgia, South Ossetia and Azerbaijan) border on Russia, and in the south - on Turkey and Iran. South Ossetia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have an inland geographical position. A feature of Azerbaijan is the presence of an enclave - the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. Transcaucasia has a favorable economic and geographical position, but due to the large number of “hot spots” both within the region (for example, the Abkhaz-Georgian, Ossetian-Georgian and Armenian-Azerbaijani conflicts) and in neighboring Russia (Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan) the Transcaucasian countries have an extremely dangerous geopolitical position.
Transcaucasia is well endowed with various natural resources. The mountainous regions of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands alternate with the plains of Colchis and Kura. However, in general, the entire region is characterized by increased seismic hazard.
The bowels of the Transcaucasian countries are rich in various mineral raw materials. Abkhazia (Tkvarcheli) and Georgia (Tkibuli) have reserves of coal, Georgia (Akhaltsikhe) also of brown coal, Azerbaijan - of oil and natural gas (Artyom-Ostrov, Oil Rocks and Siyazan). A small oil field is also located in Georgia (Mirzaani). Deposits of iron ores are located in Azerbaijan (Dashkesan), manganese ores - in Georgia (Chiatura), copper - in Armenia (Alaverdi and Kafan), polymetallic - in South Ossetia (Kvaisi), aluminum - in Azerbaijan (Alunitdag). The reserves of building stone are great: marble - in Georgia, tuff and pumice - in Armenia. Transcaucasia is famous for its mineral water springs: Borjomi (Georgia), Jermuk (Armenia) and Istisu (Azerbaijan).
Among the non-mineral resources, agro-climatic, hydropower and recreational resources stand out: the resorts of the Black Sea coast (Gagra, Pitsunda, Gudauta, Sukhum, New Athos in Abkhazia, Batumi, Kobuleti in Georgia) and mountain resorts (Bakuriani).
The states of Transcaucasia in terms of population are small countries: largest country Azerbaijan has about 8 million people in the region, less than 5 million people live in Georgia, and about 3 million in Armenia, a little more than 215 thousand in Abkhazia, and a little more than 70 thousand people in South Ossetia. Despite its small population, Armenia has a very high average population density (more than 100 people per 1 km2). As in all mountainous countries, the population is distributed extremely unevenly. Plain territories and intermountain basins are very densely populated, while in highland areas the population density is less than one person per 1 km2.
All the countries of the Transcaucasus are countries with a modern type of population reproduction, and Georgia is currently experiencing a demographic crisis. In addition, all the Transcaucasian countries are characterized by active emigration of the population, as a result of which the population in all countries of the region is declining.
Transcaucasia is distinguished by a complex national composition. The titular peoples (Abkhazians in Abkhazia, Georgians in Georgia, Ossetians in South Ossetia, Armenians in Armenia and Azerbaijanis in Azerbaijan) make up the majority of the population in each country. In all countries of the region, part of the population (especially in the capitals) is Russian. Georgians, Armenians, Greeks also live on the territory of Abkhazia, Adjarians, Armenians, Meskhetian Turks also live in Georgia, Georgians in South Ossetia, Kurds in Armenia, Armenians and Talyshs in Azerbaijan.
In Azerbaijan, the dominant religion is Shiite Islam, in South Ossetia - Orthodoxy, in Armenia - the Armenian Gregorian Church (Christian Monophysites). A more complex religious composition is characteristic of Georgia and Abkhazia: Georgians, Greeks and Ossetians, like Russians, profess Orthodoxy, and part of the Abkhazians and Adjarians profess Sunni Islam.
The share of the urban population is relatively high only in Armenia (64%), while in Abkhazia, Georgia, South Ossetia and Azerbaijan it is much lower - about 50%. Tbilisi, Yerevan and Baku are millionaire cities. The largest cities in the region are Rustavi, Kutaisi, Batumi in Georgia, Sukhum in Abkhazia, Yerevan, Gyumri and Vanadzor in Armenia, Baku, Sumgayit and Ganja in Azerbaijan.
A feature of the employment of labor resources in Transcaucasia is a large share of agriculture, especially in Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Georgia.
The structure of employment
Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
Table 33

All the countries of the Transcaucasus are currently experiencing an excess of labor resources due to the protracted severe economic crisis, so many citizens of the countries of the Transcaucasus emigrate to other countries, primarily to Russia.
The economic crisis and the collapse of the USSR dramatically changed the structure of the economy of the Transcaucasian countries. In terms of economic development, these countries were thrown back decades. According to the structure of the economy, the countries of the region have turned into agrarian-raw materials countries with a weak development of the manufacturing industry. In Georgia and Armenia, once the industrialized republics of the Soviet Union, the importance of the agro-industrial complex has increased dramatically, and in Azerbaijan, the share of the fuel and energy complex has increased even more (see Table 34).
Many sectors and centers of the economy of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be spoken of in the past tense.

Sectoral structure of industry in Georgia,
Armenia and Azerbaijan
The mining industry still plays a significant role in the region's economy: in Azerbaijan - the oil industry, in Georgia - the extraction of coal, manganese and polymetallic ores, in Armenia - the extraction of copper, molybdenum ores, tuff and pumice.
Georgia stands out for the development of ferrous metallurgy - on its territory there is the only metallurgical plant in the Transcaucasus in the city of Rustavi, and Azerbaijan - for the production of pipes (Sumgayit).
Among non-ferrous metallurgy industries, aluminum production in Armenia (Yerevan) and Azerbaijan (Sumgayit and Ganja) and copper production in Armenia (Alaverdi) have developed in the past.
Mechanical engineering has been almost completely curtailed in the region. Once upon a time, the automotive industry was developed in Georgia (the production of trucks "Kolkhida" in Kutaisi) and Armenia (the production of off-road vehicles in Yerevan), the production of electric locomotives (Tbilisi), aircraft building (Tbilisi), machine tool building (Tbilisi and Yerevan), the electrical industry (Tbilisi, Yerevan, Baku).
Among the branches of the chemical industry, the production of mineral fertilizers (Rustavi and Sumgayit), the production of resins, plastics and synthetic rubber (Yerevan), the processing of polymers (Yerevan and Baku), household chemicals (Tbilisi) were developed. Baku and Batumi are major oil refining centers.

The light industry, developed in the past, is going through a period of decline. Cotton (Gori, Gyumri, Ganja), silk (Kutaisi), woolen, knitwear and leather and footwear industries (Tbilisi, Yerevan, Baku) were developed in the region.
The importance of the food industry has sharply increased, where winemaking is an international specialization (Tbilisi, Yerevan), fruit and vegetable (Kutaisi, Yerevan, Khachmas) and oil-pressing industries (Tbilisi and Yerevan) are also developed.
Agriculture provides a significant part of the GDP of the Transcaucasian countries. In all the republics of Transcaucasia, the production of grain crops (wheat, corn, barley), vegetable growing, horticulture, viticulture, meat and dairy cattle breeding, sheep breeding and sericulture are developed. Rice and cotton are grown in Azerbaijan. In Abkhazia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, subtropical agriculture has developed - the production of citrus fruits and tea growing. Azerbaijan and Armenia specialize in growing tobacco.
In the countries of the Transcaucasian region, all types of transport have been developed, and the region as a whole has a fairly dense transport network. The largest seaports in the region are Sukhum, Poti and Batumi in Georgia on the Black Sea, and Baku in Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea. At the same time, due to the August events of 2008, the railway communication between Georgia and Russia was almost completely stopped; due to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Armenia found itself in a transport blockade.
The most important foreign economic partners of the Transcaucasian countries are Russia, other CIS countries, as well as Turkey and Iran. The main exports of the Transcaucasian countries are oil (from Azerbaijan), non-ferrous metals (especially from Armenia), wine, fruits, vegetables, tobacco (from Abkhazia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan). Imports are dominated by fuel, except for Azerbaijan), machinery, equipment, consumer goods (in all countries of the region).
Questions and tasks Give the economic and geographical characteristics of the countries of Transcaucasia. Name the factors influencing the formation and development of the economy of the Transcaucasian countries. Describe the problems of development of the region. Give the economic and geographical characteristics of Georgia. Give the economic-geographical characteristics of Armenia. Give the economic-geographical characteristics of Azerbaijan.

1. What causes the height and high seismicity of the Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands?

The height and seismicity of the Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands are due to their location in a young folded belt.

2. What are the origin of landforms characteristic of the region?

Tectonic, glacial, accumulative, erosional.

3. What vegetation is common in the Caucasus?

On the slopes of the mountains there are humid subtropical broad-leaved forests of beeches, hornbeams, and oaks.

In Colchis - evergreen boxwood, yew, creepers.

On the slopes of the Lankaran lowland there are relic "Hirkanian" forests of their chestnut-leaved oak and ironwood.

4. *How is the specialization of the economy of the Transcaucasian countries related to their natural resources?

The specialization of the countries of the Transcaucasus and the presence of certain natural resources directly related. The presence of oil reserves is associated with the development of oil production and oil refining in Azerbaijan. Ferrous metallurgy is developing on its own reserves of iron ore in Georgia. Non-ferrous metallurgy is developing on its own reserves of bauxite in Azerbaijan and copper, molybdenum ores in Armenia. The food and light industry is developed in all countries on local raw materials.

5. *What are the features of the ethnic and religious composition of the population of Transcaucasia? What ethnopolitical problems exist in the region and how do they affect interstate relations?

The ethnic composition of the population of Transcaucasia is complex. Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Georgians, Abkhazians, Ossetians, Lezgins, Greeks, Kurds, Avars, Tsakhurs, Russians, Ukrainians and representatives of other nationalities live here.

All the peoples of the Caucasus belong to the southern branch of the Caucasoid race, to the Caucasian, Indo-European (Armenians) and to the Altai family (Azerbaijanis), A long and complex history of relations between peoples and accumulated social problems exacerbated interethnic relations in the region. Having a high natural increase - in Georgia - 7%, in Azerbaijan - 21%, Armenians and Georgians are Christians. The majority of the population of Azerbaijan adheres to Islam.

When it began to fall apart Soviet Union, it became clear that the old political structures had to give way to something new, but there was almost no agreement or clarity on what was to replace the old system. Under these conditions, tensions began to grow between ethnic groups that had previously managed to live side by side in relative harmony.

Nagorno-Karabakh has been a bone of contention throughout the Soviet period. The Armenians both in Karabakh and in Armenia itself did not fully accept its inclusion in the Azerbaijan Soviet Union. Socialist Republic as the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) in 1924, as over 90% of its population were Armenians. When Mikhail Gorbachev's perestroika began, Nagorno-Karabakh was one of the first to take advantage of increased freedom of speech, and in 1988 the local elected body demanded permission for the NKAR to secede from the Azerbaijan SSR and join the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. Azerbaijan rejected this demand, and tensions began to grow rapidly. Moscow's clumsy attempts to keep the peace only worsened the situation, as both sides believed that Moscow was against them. By the time the Soviet Union officially ceased to exist at the end of 1991, the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh (which Armenia tacitly supported) had escalated into a full-blown conflict.

In Abkhazia, the cause of the conflict was primarily the contradictions regarding the status of Abkhazia within Georgia. Abkhazia was an autonomous republic within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, but when Georgia gained independence and the radical nationalist regime of Zviad Gamsakhurdia came to power, Abkhazia began to complain that Tbilisi was encroaching on its autonomy. The Abkhaz invoked the 1925 Constitution, which they claimed gave them equal rights with Georgia, and thus demanded equal status with Georgia within a loose confederation. The Georgian side rejected these demands, fearing that they would only be the first step towards independence for Abkhazia, and in August 1992 Georgian troops and paramilitaries entered Abkhazia. Abkhaz fighters with the assistance national movements North Caucasus and the tacit support of Russia offered them fierce resistance. By the end of 1993, when Russian troops were stationed in the region to monitor the observance of the ceasefire, most of the Georgian population of Abkhazia was forced to flee. The exact number of refugees is not known, but it is believed to have been over 200,000.

In South Ossetia, the conflict began much earlier than in Abkhazia. South Ossetia long time nurtured the idea of ​​leaving the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic and uniting with North Ossetia within the framework of the RSFSR, and began to openly demand this. In response, Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia canceled the autonomy of South Ossetia in December 1990. When South Ossetia disagreed with this decision and began to initiate moves towards unification with North Ossetia, an invasion by Georgian troops followed, resulting in fighting that resulted in over 2,000 deaths and thousands of people injured. Through mediation Russian President Boris Yeltsin in July 1992, a ceasefire was declared, which is monitored by the Joint Peacekeeping Force (SPKF), consisting of Russian, Georgian and South Ossetian military units. Relations between the two sides have improved in recent years, but it is still too early to talk about a final resolution of the conflict. Some residents have returned to their homes, but it is estimated that around 50,000 people are still refugees as a result of this conflict. South Ossetia is closely monitoring the situation in Abkhazia and is unlikely to agree to a settlement on less favorable terms, which means that in practice the resolution of the two conflicts will be closely linked.

Javakhetia is located in the southwest of Georgia and borders on Armenia. The majority of the population of this region are Armenians. Although there has been little mention of separatist sentiment here until now, Javakhetia remains a poor region with limited capacity and little support from the government in Tbilisi. There are fears that calls to secede from Georgia and join Armenia will intensify if the situation continues to deteriorate. An issue that is particularly controversial is pressure from Georgia to force Russia to close its military base in Akhalkalaki. It is the main source of work in this region, and is also considered by the Armenian population as a guarantee against potential aggression from Tbilisi and Turkey. Therefore, any steps towards its closure are very unpopular and can greatly destabilize the situation.

Transcaucasus (South Caucasus) - a geopolitical region located on the border of Eastern Europe and South-Western Asia, lying south of the main, or watershed ridge of the Greater Caucasus. Transcaucasia includes most of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, the Colchis lowland and the Kura depression, the Lesser Caucasus, the Javakhetian-Armenian highlands, the Talysh mountains with the Lankaran lowland. Three independent states are located within the South Caucasus: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia. In the same region are: Abkhazia and South Ossetia, whose independence is recognized only by Russia and five other countries. Transcaucasia borders in the north with the Russian Federation, in the south - with Turkey and Iran.

Azerbaijan is a state in Eurasia, in the eastern part of Transcaucasia, on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea. The population is 9,493,600 people, the territory is 86,600 km².

Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Transcaucasian region.

It borders on Russia (Dagestan) and Georgia (Kvemo-Kartli and Kakheti) in the north, Armenia in the west and Iran in the south.

Part of the territory of Azerbaijan is controlled by the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, part - by Armenia.

The capital of the country is the city of Baku.

President - Ilham Aliyev

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, proclaimed in 1918, is called the first democratic republic in the Muslim world.

Armenia

It is located in the north of the geographical region of Western Asia and in the north-east of the Armenian Highlands. Has no access to the sea. It borders Azerbaijan and the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) to the east. In the south-west with the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, which is part of Azerbaijan. With Iran to the south, Turkey to the west and Georgia to the north.

The population is 3,018,854 people, the territory is 29,743 km².

The capital is Yerevan. The state language is Armenian.

Unitary state, presidential republic.

President - Serzh Sargsyan,

About 98.7% of the population is Christian.

Georgia is a state located in Western Asia and the Middle East, in the western part of Transcaucasia on east coast Black Sea. Georgia borders Turkey and Armenia in the south, Azerbaijan in the southeast and Russia in the north. The territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not controlled by the Georgian government and are regarded by it, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the European Commission.

Capital - Tbilisi

Form of government - presidential republic

President - Mikheil Saakashvili

Territory - 69,700 km

Population - 4,497,600

Abkhazia is a disputed territory in the northwestern part of the southern slope of the Main Caucasian Range, on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea. According to the international legal status, it is actually a partially recognized state of the Republic of Abkhazia, according to the administrative-territorial division of Georgia - the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia within Georgia.

The territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are not controlled by the Georgian government and are regarded by it, the US and the European Commission as parts of Georgia occupied by Russia.

In the north and northeast it borders on Russia ( Krasnodar Territory and the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia); in the southeast and south with the region of Georgia Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti.

It consists of 7 historical regions (7 stars on the state flag remind of this) - Malaya Abkhazia, Bzypyn, Guma, Abzhua, Samurzakan, Dal-Tsabal, Pskhu-Aibga. As of October 2012, there are 8 cities and 105 villages in Abkhazia.

In total, representatives of 67 different peoples now live in Abkhazia.

Capital - Sukhum

presidential-parliamentary republic

President - Alexander Ankvab

Population - 240 705

Territory - 8665 km²

South Ossetia is a partially recognized state in Transcaucasia. Has no access to the sea. The issue of the international legal status of South Ossetia is controversial: the independence of the Republic of South Ossetia in 2008-2011. was recognized by Russia and four other UN member states (Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela and Tuvalu).

Capital - Tskhinvali Form of government - Presidential Republic

President - Leonid Tibilov

Territory - 3900 km²

Population - 72,000

20.Ethnopolitical conflicts in Transcaucasia (history, causes, prospects for settlement).

The composition of the territory. Natural conditions and resources. The countries of Transcaucasia - Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia - are located within the mountain systems - the Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands. In height, these mountains are comparable to the Alps: in the Caucasus, the city of Kazbek reaches 5033 m ( highest point- Elbrus - 5642 m is located on the territory of Russia); in the Armenian Highlands - the city of Aragats - 4090 m (the highest point of the highlands - the Big Ararat volcano - 5165 m is located in Turkey) (Fig. 139). Glacier-covered peaks, deep valleys, gorges, lava plateaus and volcanic cones, karst caves and lakes make the highland relief particularly diverse. The ranges of the Caucasus adjoin the Armenian Highlands from the north. The trough, dividing the Caucasus into the Greater and Lesser, expands near the Black Sea and passes into the Colchis lowland, and near the Caspian depression - into the Lankaran and Kura-Araks lowlands.

Rice. 140 Kura

Rice. 140 Araks

The region is characterized by high seismicity: the strength of the earthquakes that destroyed the Armenian city of Spitak in 1988 and destroyed villages in northwestern Iran in 1990 exceeded 7 points. The ridges of the Caucasus, framing the highlands from the north, tend to rise (more than 10 mm per year), and the lowlands separating them - to lower. Especially quickly (up to 1.3 mm per year) the Colchis lowland sinks.

The relief and geographical location contribute to the diversity of the climate.

In the west - on the Black Sea coast and in the Colchis lowland - the climate is subtropical humid. About 1800 mm of precipitation falls per year. Summer is hot (+24°C). heavy showers typical for the whole year, but especially for warm (+4 ..., +6 ° С) winters.

The subtropical climate of the eastern Caspian slopes and the Kura-Araks lowland protected by them is dry: up to 400 mm falls here, and less than 200 mm in the south. In winter - about +2 °С, in summer it is hot - up to +28 °С.

In the highlands of the Caucasus and the Armenian Highlands, the climate is subtropical continental - severe, with cold winters (up to -15 ° C). In summer - not higher than +20 °С. On the slopes of the ridges, especially in spring and early summer, there is a lot of precipitation (1000 mm). In the hollows in summer there is intense heat (+24 ... +30 ° С), there is little precipitation: in the west - 500-750 mm, in the east - 300-500 mm. The peaks are covered with caps of snow and ice. Glaciers are mobile, the danger of avalanches is great. With the rapid melting of snow and showers, mudflows are formed. Glacial waters feed numerous turbulent rivers, the largest of which are Kura and Araks(Fig. 140). Many lakes - tectonic, volcanic, karst. The basin of the largest lake - Sevan- formed in a fault dammed by lava flows (Fig. 141).

Rice. 141 Sevan

The vegetation of the Caucasus is diverse and unique. The slopes of the mountains in the west are covered with moist subtropical broad-leaved forests of alder and beech, hornbeam and oak. In Colchis, evergreen boxwood, yew, tree trunks twist around lianas. On the slopes of the Lankaran lowland, unique relic "Hirkanian" forests of chestnut-leaved oak and ironwood have been preserved. The arid Kura-Araks lowland is occupied by semi-deserts of polynyas and ephemera - tulips, bluegrass. The high-mountainous slopes of the Armenian Highlands are covered with forb-cereal and feather-grass steppes.

The fauna of the Caucasus is diverse. If the same animals live in the foothills as on the adjacent plains, then a significant number of endemic or relict species appear in the highlands. Of the large animals, this is the Caucasian mountain goat - a tour (found only here), a bearded, or bezoar, goat, chamois. Among insects, up to 30% of all species are endemic, and among terrestrial mollusks - almost 75%. Many mountainous regions of the Caucasus can be considered as a reserve, in which nature itself has created good conditions for the conservation and reproduction of many large animals and birds.

Population countries of the Caucasus is heterogeneous. Azerbaijan is the leader in terms of its number, where natural growth is high. The population of all states was greatly influenced by migrations associated with interethnic conflicts. The low birth rate, which has fallen to the level of mortality, is due to the stability of the population of Georgia. Life expectancy in the countries of Transcaucasia is about 72 years. The level of urbanization is low: in Armenia - about 65%, in Azerbaijan and Georgia - about 54%. Most big cities- capital Cities; in each of them - more than a million inhabitants (Fig. 142, 143). Transcaucasia is characterized by a rather high population density. High, especially in Georgia - 52% - the proportion of people employed in agriculture. The titular ethnic groups make up 90% in Armenia and Azerbaijan, and less than 70% in Georgia. Armenians and Georgians are Christians. The predominant part of the inhabitants of Azerbaijan adheres to Islam. Adjarians living in Georgia are Muslims.

Rice. 142 Yerevan

Rice. 143 Baku

Economy. In Azerbaijan, the basis of industry is oil production and oil refining (Fig. 144). In Georgia and Armenia, the service sector dominates, with agriculture and related food processing being the leading industries.

Rice. 144. Offshore oil production

Agriculture Trans-Caspian Sea, the Caucasus has crop production specialization. In the structure of the land, pastures predominate, mainly mountainous (Fig. 145). The development of agriculture is hampered by the lack of cultivated land. The lands are in need of melioration - irrigation or drainage (in the Colchis lowland). Azerbaijan has the most extensive sown areas. Grain (wheat) and technical (cotton) crops are cultivated on them. They grow tobacco, tea, citrus fruits, grapes and fruits (pomegranates, figs, quince, etc.). Azerbaijan is the largest supplier of early vegetables to the markets of the CIS countries. Tea and citrus fruits are grown in the Black Sea regions of Georgia. In the east of the country and in Armenia, the main industries are vi- Fig. 145. Alpine pasture and horticulture. AT animal husbandry Georgia and Azerbaijan are dominated by meat and dairy cattle breeding and meat and wool sheep breeding. The animal husbandry of Armenia is specialized in dairy and meat cattle breeding and sheep breeding. The branch of specialization of the Caspian regions of Azerbaijan is fishing. In Georgia and Azerbaijan, sericulture is developed, in Armenia - pig breeding, in all countries - poultry farming.

Rice. 145 High pasture

Specializes in the processing of crop products food industry countries of the region. Wines and cognacs are produced in Armenia, mineral water, canned fruits. In Georgia and Azerbaijan, in addition to fruit canning, the production of tea and tobacco, winemaking and the fishing industry are developed. Based on local raw materials and light industry. Its basis is textile, producing cotton, silk and woolen fabrics. Leather and footwear production is represented everywhere, in Azerbaijan and Armenia - the production of carpets, including by hand.

Industries are of exceptional importance in the economy of all countries. fuel and energy industry. In Azerbaijan, where they provide about 70% of the cost of industrial products, the main part of electricity is produced by thermal power plants operating on fuel oil and natural gas. In Georgia and Armenia, the role of hydroelectric power stations is great. The only Armenian nuclear power plant in the region operates in Armenia. All countries have metallurgical industries. Ferrous metallurgy develops in Georgia. Non-ferrous metallurgy in Azerbaijan it is represented by the aluminum industry, in Armenia - by the copper-molybdenum industry. mechanical engineering releases vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural machinery. The leading centers in Azerbaijan are Baku and Ganja, in Georgia - Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi, in Armenia - Yerevan. Chemical industry is represented by petrochemical enterprises in Azerbaijan and Armenia. A variety of raw materials is due to the development of industry building materials . Marble is mined and processed in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia exports colored tuffs.

Transport. In all countries in domestic passenger traffic, the main role belongs to automotive transport, in international - aviation . The importance of the Transcaucasian railway linking Baku with Sukhumi and the entire region with Russia. Through all Transcaucasia pass pipeline Baku - Batumi and gas pipeline Karadag - Agstafa. An oil pipeline is being built through the territory of Georgia to Turkey and further to the Mediterranean Sea.

Political instability in the Transcaucasus affected the functioning of the unified transport system of the region. Interstate railway communications through the territory of Abkhazia and Nagorno-Karabakh are limited. In the cargo transportation of Georgia and Azerbaijan, the importance of sea and pipeline transport has increased.

Foreign economic relations Each of the countries have their own characteristics, but they also have common features. Azerbaijan stands out with the largest foreign trade turnover. The most important partners of all states are their neighboring countries. In the structure of exports of all countries, the role of mineral raw materials, agricultural products and foodstuffs is significant. Imports are dominated by mineral fuels, products of mechanical engineering and the chemical industry. Tourism is a traditional branch of the economy. There are numerous resorts - climatic seaside and balneological, built near mineral springs.

Bibliography

1. Geography Grade 9 / Tutorial for the 9th grade of institutions of general secondary education with the Russian language of instruction / Edited by N. V. Naumenko/ Minsk "People's Asveta" 2011