| A | B |
|---|
| vast lands of | tundra,permafrost and steppe |
| varied climate | regions |
| transition from communist | to free market economies |
| diverse ethnic | groups-Turkic and Mongol heritage |
| political and economic difficulties | after break up of U.S.S.R |
| widespread | pollution |
| cotton production in | Central Asia |
| energy sources | hydroelectric/oil/natural gas |
| infrastructure | Trans-Siberian Railroad |
| Russain natural resources | not fully developed |
| shrinking | Aral Sea |
| limited | transportation links |
