Gives an analytical review of the economies of the Central Asian countries. After considering the geographical, cultural and historical basis for identifying a Central Asian region, focuses on the post-independence economies of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and on the economic influence of the region's major natural resources (cotton, minerals, oil and gas). Examines regional integration and relations to neighboring economies. (Cross listed International Economics/Russian and Eurasian Studies/Asian Studies/International Development)