Central Asia is the region of Asia that comprise of the five former Soviet Union states in the central part of Asia. The region is considered to be only a geographical entity, as the countries here do not form an entity in any other respect, The region is not homogenous in either political, economical or demographical point of view.
The most advanced country is definitely Kazakhstan, with the strongest economy, which also takes the role of the leader in the region, mainly due to its vast resources of oil.
Turkmenistan is one of the leading countries in terms of gas production. Tajikistan is not only the poorest country in the region, but also one of the poorest countries in the world, based on GDP per capita data.
Central Asia might not be the most popular tourist destination in the world, but Central Asia map still hosts some remarkable attractions. Samarkand, the second largest settlement of Uzbekistan, with several ancient Islamic architecture sites is one of those, as well as Bukhara, another ancient city of the Silk Road. The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is one of the fastest emerging cities of the world, is becoming the most dominant city in the region. The area of the former Lake Aral now resembles a post-apocalyptic site without any living sign of the previously flourishing region. Issyk Kul, an alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan is certainly one of nature's most spectacular masterpieces. The Pamir Highway is an incredible route cutting through the Pamir mountains at altitudes reaching 4000 meters (15000 feet). It is certainly the best place to go for a mountain bike, or jeep tour.
