How much do you know about Central Asia? Do you know which countries are considered a part of Central Asia? Do you know which cultures make their homes in this area? Are you familiar with the sights and monuments of Central Asia? Chances are, your answer is no. Westerners hardly ever cast their thoughts beyond their own backyards. With the creation of the Central Asian Gateway project, however, Central Asia and its fascinating geography and culture will be more accessible to everyone. To learn more about Central Asia and the Central Asian Gateway, read on.

The Central Asian Gateway is not a physical object, like a waterway or a road, but a database of information on the region that is designed to promote economic progress and development in the participating countries. By making it easier for investors from outside the region to get information, the Central Asian Gateway helps to facilitate connections between local governments, local and regional businesses, and foreign investors. The goal of the project is to help raise the region out of its economic trouble and promote sustainable development and the reduction of poverty.

The Central Asian Gateway project was begun in 2003 under the auspices of the UNDP. The United Nations Development Program's mission is to reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, and facilitate connections between developed and developing countries. In the Central Asian Gateway project, they were assisted by various national and regional development bureaus as well as several NGOs (or Non Governmental Organizations). Part of the project was supported by funds from banks and major companies with interests in Central Asia.

So where is Central Asia? As its name suggests, it's located near the heart of the continent, east of the Caspian Sea, South of Russia, north of the Indian subcontinent and west of China lies an area populated almost entirely by countries ending in 'stan.' Historically it was the area through which the Silk Road traveled, and more recently it was part of the Soviet Union. Today the area consists of the former Soviet nations Kazakhstan, Kysgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The area is home to the Turkic people, whose culture is a mix of Slavic and Asian influences. Islam is the most common religion and Russian is the most common spoken language.

Geographically, Central Asia is a fascinating mix of high mountains, empty deserts, and grassy plains. It is home to the world's most northernmost desert as well as its most southerly permafrost. In much of Central Asia, the land is too rough for farming. Instead, many Central Asian peoples make their livings through herding livestock. To find out more about this fascinating region, including its importance in world politics, its potential for development, and its fascinating culture, simply click on the navigation bar at the top of the page to see a list of the available topics. More articles are being added all the time, so check back often.

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