The document summarizes key information about the Caucasus and Central Asian regions. It discusses how the fall of communism negatively impacted Georgia's economy. It also notes that Russia has tried to block Azerbaijan's construction of a new oil pipeline. The document then covers the physical geography, cultures, economic activities, and environmental issues of Central Asian countries. It states that Soviet irrigation projects caused the Aral Sea to lose two-thirds of its volume and contributed to desertification in the region.