An informative guide to the recently emerged states of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, providing coverage of a broad range of political, economic, and cultural issues. Nuclear threats to the East. Terrorist concerns on the southern borders. Steadily increasing United States investments. Central Asia is crawling out of the shadows of Soviet domination to reveal a land finding its identity in fascinating times-emerging onto the global stage as a key region-confronting its past while preparing for the future. As conflicts continue in Iraq and political tensions mount in China, the world is beginning to take notice of Central Asia as the crossroads between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Central Asia: A Global Studies Handbook explores the three central states of the region, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, and provides insight to their past, present, and future. The first of its kind, this reference work covers a wide range of topics on Central Asia as a whole. From the geography, history, and economics to politics, education, and religion, students and teachers will find this an informative and comprehensive research source, while business-people and travelers will discover a fascinating look into the region's society. From the times of Alexander through globalization and the politicization of Islam, the mysteries of Central Asia are finally brought to light.