There are lots of challenges in the future which include relations with the neighbors, attitudes toward minorities and Muslim fundamentalism. It is mainly desert, but its resources include oil and natural gas. The Kara Kum canal helps bring water from the mountains which is used not only for consumption but also for crop cultivation. Oil and natural gas reserves in the west may help boost Turkmenistan's economy in the future. Tajikistan Tajikistan is a rugged country about the size of Iowa.
Glaciers feed rivers which are used for irrigation.
Under Soviet control, large industrial enterprises and mining operations took over. In 1991, Tajikistan declared independence. The significant Russian population, however, has tried to maintain control of the Tajik government. Tajikistan has a challenging future considering it's location as well as it's political status with Russia. Yaks are raised here for their meat and milk.