Setting Up New Economic Links

Russia, Kirghizia and Kazakhstan are discussing an accord that would bind them together economically. Here’s what they have to offer: KIRGHIZIA Size: 76,460 square miles Population: 4.3 million Capital: Frunze

Kirghizia is famed for livestock breeding. It raises sufficient wheat for its own use plus sugar beets, grapes and rice. It has more than 500 large, modern industrial enterprises including sugar refineries, tanneries, cotton and flour mills, oil and mining enterprises. In addition, Kirghizia has two health resorts, Jety-Oguz and Jalal-Abad, popular for their mild alpine climate and mineral springs.

KAZAKHSTAN Size: 1,049,155 square miles Population: 16.2 million Capital: Alma-Ata

This is the second-biggest Soviet republic after the Russian Federation. An area prized for orchards and vineyards, it also produces wheat, tobacco, rubber plants and mustard. Sheep raising is a key economic activity and Kazakhstan is noted for its wool. It is rich in mineral resources--coal, tungsten, oil, copper, lead and zinc. Also has metallurgy, heavy engineering and chemical and footwear industries.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION Size: 6,592,800 square miles Population: About 148 million Capital: Moscow

The giant republic is home to more than half the Soviet population and encompasses more than two-thirds of the Soviet Union’s territory. Its resources include iron ore, coal and oil as well as abundant deposits of gold, platinum, copper and rare metals. It is responsible for about 70% of the industrial and agricultural output of the country. Among the principal crops are grain, sugar beets and potatoes.

Source: Statesman’s Year Book