Synopses & Reviews
This new edition features up-to-date statistical profiles of each of the republics that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union, covering demography, government, education, economics, geography, and communications, based on the most recent and reliable sources available. Each profile is followed by a succinct summary of that country's geography and history, a map, and an analysis of its current political, cultural, and economic issues. The book also contains general maps of various regions, a detailed glossary, extensive bibliographies, and a thoroughly cross-referenced index.
Review
This handbook, gives a systematic introduction to the newly independent states of Eurasia, established as the result of the collapse of the Soviet Union....this work is intelligently written and filled with useful and up-to-date information....Overall, this handbook will help to find the necessary materials about the problems of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.Ethnic Forum
Review
...offers new and subtle insights into the regions and ethnic groups that once constituted the Russian/Soviet empire.CHOICE
Review
...worthwhile for its updated statistics, bibliography, and the significantly rewritten and expanded essays on current issues.School Library Journal
Review
...it is the best source of information that we have seen....provides perhaps the most up-to-date information on the Republics of the former Soviet Union....Excellent maps are provided....the most important contribution of this book is the in-depth historical and cultural analysis of each Republic, its ethnic and religious groups, and its political motivations....the historical approach delves much deeper than the larger publication can afford.... the Bataldens have made a large contribution to available information on this topic. It is pleasing to have so much information together in one place with excellent maps. This book will be a great addition to our reference collection!Spotlight on World Affairs
Review
I would highly recommend this book as a guide to the recent changes in the former Soviet Union. The authors clearly achieve their stated goal of introducing the history of the various non-Russian peoples of the former Soviet Union. I thought that the discussion of contemporary issues is especially helpful in outlining the major problems facing these newly independent countries....a convenient source of information on a subject that has been overlooked in the past.Russian, East European and Central Asia Studies Newsletter
Review
...highly recommended as an important update on the issues and circumstances of the emerging countries from the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic collapse of the former Soviet Union.Wisconsin Bookwatch
Table of Contents
List of Mapsvii
Prefaceix
Introductory Remarks by Sergei A. Arutiunovxiii
PART ONE: THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Introduction3
Bibliography4
Statistical Profile7
European Russia11
History and Description11
Contemporary Issues19
Siberia and the Russian Far East29
History and Description29
Contemporary Issues36
PART TWO: BELARUS, MOLDOVA, AND UKRAINE
Introduction45
Bibliography46
Belarus48
Statistical Profile48
History and Description51
Contemporary Issues53
Moldova61
Statistical Profile61
History and Description63
Contemporary Issues65
Ukraine73
Statistical Profile73
History and Description75
Contemporary Issues80
PART THREE: TRANSCAUCASIA
Introduction91
Bibliography92
Armenia94
Statistical Profile94
History and Description97
Contemporary Issues101
Azerbaijan106
Statistical Profile106
History and Description109
Contemporary Issues112
Georgia120
Statistical Profile120
History and Description123
Contemporary Issues126
PART FOUR: CENTRAL ASIA
Introduction135
Bibliography136
Kazakhstan138
Statistical Profile138
History and Description141
Contemporary Issues144
Kyrgyzstan151
Statistical Profile151
History and Description154
Contemporary Issues156
Tajikistan162
Statistical Profile162
History and Description165
Contemporary Issues167
Turkmenistan174
Statistical Profile174
History and Description177
Contemporary Issues179
Uzbekistan184
Statistical Profile184
History and Description187
Contemporary Issues189
Afterword197
Glossary199
Index207
LIST OF MAPS
The Russian Federation6
European Russia12
Siberia and the Russian Far East30
Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine47
Belarus50
Moldova64
Ukraine76
Transcaucasia93
Armenia96
Azerbaijan108
Georgia122
Central Asia137
Kazakhstan140
Kyrgyzstan153
Tajikistan164
Turkmenistan176
Uzbekistan186