Russia and the Post-Soviet States

Moscow, Russia
Russia and Central Asia form a huge region with abundant natural resources. However, the region faces many challenges that limit development. Some of the difficulties stem from the harsh climate. Others are the result of years of communism. After the end of the Cold War, the post-Soviet states began the transition to market economies. There has been some success, but multiple countries continue to struggle. The Soviet Union’s environmental legacy will be hard to overcome. The Aral Sea and the Chernobyl nuclear accident are severe reminders of human impact on the environment. Despite these challenges, many people have been working to ensure a brighter future for this region.