Background
Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world before opening its ports to the US for trade in the 1840s. Since its defeat to the Allies in WWII, however, Japan has grown to become a major international power, both economically and culturally. An archipelago of over 6,800 islands, Japan has a total surface area of 377,910 sq km, making it the 61st largest country on earth. However, its population total is over 126.5 million, making it the 11th most populous nation. Its capital, Tokyo, is the largest capital city in the world, with some 12.5 million citizens.
Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.
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