Central Asia

Central Asia is a huge region in the middle of the Asian continent. It includes five countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Central Asia has vast grasslands called steppes, tall mountains, and dry deserts. The ancient Silk Road trade route passed through this region.

Land and People

About 75 million people live in Central Asia. The region is mostly landlocked, far from any ocean. Kazakhstan is the largest country and is bigger than all of Western Europe. The Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges have peaks over 20,000 feet tall.

Culture and Fun Facts

Many Central Asian people were once nomads who traveled with their horses and herds. The Silk Road connected China to Europe and passed through cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Horseback riding is still an important part of the culture. Traditional foods include plov, a rice dish, and kumis, a drink made from horse milk.

Fun Facts

• The Silk Road trade route passed through Central Asia, connecting China to Europe for over 1,500 years.
• Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world.
• Eagle hunting, where trained golden eagles catch prey, is still practiced in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Did You Know?

In parts of Central Asia, people still practice the ancient art of eagle hunting. Hunters train golden eagles to catch foxes and rabbits on the wide open steppe.