Correct Answer:
D. 5
The correct answer is 5. The region known as Central Asia is almost universally defined as comprising five independent republics that emerged following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The Five Central Asian Nations
- Kazakhstan: The largest landlocked country in the world, rich in natural resources and spanning both Asia and a small part of Europe.
- Kyrgyzstan: A mountainous nation known for its nomadic heritage and stunning alpine landscapes.
- Tajikistan: Home to the Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World", with a deep Persian cultural influence.
- Turkmenistan: Dominated by the Karakum Desert, known for its large natural gas reserves and unique post-Soviet architecture.
- Uzbekistan: Famous for ancient Silk Road cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, and the most populous Central Asian state.
Key Point: While broader definitions sometimes include Afghanistan, Mongolia, or parts of western China, the standard political and geographical definition counts exactly five independent Central Asian states.