Countries in Central Asia
Central Asia comprises the five former Soviet republics: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, plus Afghanistan. The region lies at the historic heart of the Silk Road — the ancient trade network connecting China to the Mediterranean — and cities like Samarkand and Bukhara were among the medieval world's most cosmopolitan centers of culture and learning. Central Asia holds vast energy reserves, particularly in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and has seen increased strategic competition between Russia, China, and the West.
Complete list of countries in central asia
| # | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tajikistan | 10.50M |
| 2 |  Uzbekistan | 37.86M |
| 3 |  Turkmenistan | 7.06M |
| 4 |  Kyrgyzstan | 7.28M |
| 5 |  Kazakhstan | 20.43M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are in Central Asia?
Central Asia includes Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan (the five former Soviet republics). Afghanistan is sometimes included in the subregion.
What is Central Asia known for?
Central Asia is known as the heart of the ancient Silk Road, with legendary cities like Samarkand and Bukhara; for the vast Kazakh steppe and Karakum desert; rich energy reserves (oil and gas in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan); and the shrinking Aral Sea, one of the world's worst environmental disasters.
What is the largest country in Central Asia?
Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the ninth largest in the world at about 2.7 million km². It is also the most economically developed Central Asian country thanks to significant oil and mineral resources.