caucasus

The Caucasus is a region at the boundary between Europe and Asia, centered on the Caucasus Mountains, a chain that runs roughly from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea. It is commonly divided into the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south, forming a natural barrier and cultural crossroads.

Politically, the region spans several states. In Russia the North Caucasus comprises republics and territories such as Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia-Alania, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygea. The southern Caucasus includes Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The area contains several disputed territories, notably Abkhazia and South Ossetia in Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Some definitions also include nearby areas of Iran and the broader Caspian basin.

Demographically and culturally, the Caucasus is among the most diverse regions in Eurasia, with dozens of ethnic groups and languages. Its religious landscape includes Armenian Apostolic Christianity, Georgian Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and various other faiths. Linguistically, languages fall into major families such as Kartvelian, Northeast Caucasian, Northwest Caucasian, and Indo-European.

Historically, the region was home to ancient kingdoms such as Colchis and Iberia, and later experienced Persian, Hellenic, Arab, Ottoman, and Russian influence. It was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century and later integrated into the Soviet Union. Since the collapse of the USSR, it has seen protracted conflicts and ongoing political transitions, infrastructure development, and energy transit routes.

Environment: The Caucasus Mountains are a major ecological zone with high peaks, glacial valleys, and diverse ecosystems; the area is a biodiversity hotspot with many endemic species and several protected areas and national parks.