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South Caucasus Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The South Caucasus: Geography, History, and Geopolitics

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The South Caucasus: Geography, History, and Geopolitics Study Guide

Geographical Definition and Features

The South Caucasus region is situated exclusively within the continent of Asia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The South Caucasus region is geographically situated on the border between Eastern Europe and West Asia, not exclusively within Asia.

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Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan are the primary modern countries encompassed by the South Caucasus region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan are indeed the primary modern nations typically included within the geographical designation of the South Caucasus.

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The South Caucasus is a distinct geographical area separate from the larger Caucasus region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The South Caucasus is part of the larger Caucasus geographical region, which also includes the North Caucasus. It refers specifically to the southern portion.

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The total land area of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan combined is approximately 186,100 square kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The combined land area of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan is approximately 186,100 square kilometers.

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The South Caucasus geography is defined solely by mountain ranges, lacking any significant lowland areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The geography of the South Caucasus includes both mountain ranges, such as the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and significant lowland areas like the Kura-Aras Lowlands.

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The Caspian Sea forms the western border of the South Caucasus region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Caspian Sea forms the eastern border of the South Caucasus region, while the Black Sea forms the western border.

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The Lesser Caucasus mountain range is located entirely outside the South Caucasus geographical designation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lesser Caucasus mountain range is a significant geographical feature located within the South Caucasus region.

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Only Armenia is entirely situated within the boundaries of the South Caucasus.

Answer: False

Explanation: While all of Armenia is within the South Caucasus, the majority of Georgia and Azerbaijan are also considered part of this region.

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The definition of the South Caucasus region includes parts of Iran and Turkey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The broader definition of the South Caucasus region does indeed include territories belonging to Iran and Turkey, in addition to Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.

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The South Caucasus region observes only one time zone, UTC+04:00.

Answer: False

Explanation: The South Caucasus region observes multiple time zones, including UTC+04:00, UTC+03:30, and UTC+03:00.

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Shkhara, located on the Georgia-Russia border, is the highest mountain mentioned for the South Caucasus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Shkhara, situated on the Georgia-Russia border, is identified as the highest mountain within the South Caucasus region, standing at 5,203 meters.

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What is the primary geographical location of the South Caucasus region?

Answer: On the border between Eastern Europe and West Asia, south of the main Caucasus range.

Explanation: The South Caucasus is geographically situated on the border between Eastern Europe and West Asia, south of the main Caucasus range.

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Which three modern nations are typically considered the core countries of the South Caucasus?

Answer: Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan

Explanation: The core countries typically considered part of the South Caucasus are Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

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What is the approximate combined land area of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan?

Answer: About 186,100 square kilometers

Explanation: The approximate combined land area of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan is 186,100 square kilometers.

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Which major bodies of water serve as the western and eastern boundaries of the South Caucasus region?

Answer: Black Sea (West) and Caspian Sea (East)

Explanation: The Black Sea serves as the western boundary, and the Caspian Sea serves as the eastern boundary of the South Caucasus region.

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Besides the main three Caucasian states, which other countries have territories considered part of the broader South Caucasus definition?

Answer: Iran and Turkey

Explanation: Beyond Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, parts of Iran and Turkey are also included within the broader definition of the South Caucasus region.

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What is the highest mountain mentioned in the South Caucasus region?

Answer: Shkhara

Explanation: Shkhara, standing at 5,203 meters and located on the Georgia-Russia border, is mentioned as the highest mountain in the South Caucasus region.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a specific geographical feature within the South Caucasus in the source?

Answer: Ural Mountains

Explanation: The Ural Mountains are not listed as a geographical feature within the South Caucasus; features like the Colchis Lowlands, Javakheti Plateau, and Talysh Mountains are mentioned.

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Historical Overview: Antiquity to Medieval Period

Ancient Greek historians like Herodotus and Strabo did not document the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ancient Greek historians, including Herodotus and Strabo, did document the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus in their writings.

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During the Middle Ages, migrations into the Caucasus were limited and had minimal cultural impact.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Middle Ages saw significant migrations and invasions into the Caucasus by various groups, which profoundly impacted the region's culture and facilitated the spread of languages and religions.

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The South Caucasus has historically been influenced or ruled by empires including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

Answer: True

Explanation: The South Caucasus has indeed been historically influenced or ruled by numerous empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires, among others.

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Zoroastrianism remained the dominant religion in the South Caucasus throughout antiquity, unaffected by the rise of Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Zoroastrianism was dominant in antiquity, its prevalence declined with the rise of Christianity in the region, although Persian influence persisted.

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The Arab conquest in the 8th century led to the spread of Islam across most of the South Caucasus.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Arab conquest in the 8th century resulted in the incorporation of much of the South Caucasus into the Caliphate, facilitating the spread of Islam throughout the region.

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The Arsacid dynasties were established in the South Caucasus by the Byzantine Empire.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Arsacid dynasties were established in the South Caucasus by the Iranian Parthians, not the Byzantine Empire.

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Which ancient Greek historians are mentioned as having written about the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus?

Answer: Herodotus and Strabo

Explanation: Ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Strabo are mentioned as having written about the indigenous peoples of the Caucasus.

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What was a significant impact of the migrations and invasions during the Middle Ages in the South Caucasus?

Answer: Facilitation of the spread of Iranian languages and Islamic religion

Explanation: Migrions and invasions during the Middle Ages significantly influenced the culture of the South Caucasus peoples and facilitated the spread of Iranian languages and Islamic religion.

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Which of the following empires did NOT historically control or influence the South Caucasus, according to the source?

Answer: Han Dynasty (China)

Explanation: The Han Dynasty (China) is not mentioned as having historically controlled or influenced the South Caucasus, unlike empires such as the Achaemenid, Mongol, and Russian Empires.

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How did the religious landscape of the South Caucasus evolve during antiquity?

Answer: Zoroastrianism initially dominated but declined with the rise of Christianity, despite lingering Persian influence.

Explanation: During antiquity, Zoroastrianism was initially dominant but declined with the rise of Christianity, though Persian influence persisted, leading to a complex religious dynamic.

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What was the consequence of the Umayyad Caliphate's expansion into the South Caucasus in the 8th century?

Answer: Most of the South Caucasus became part of the Caliphate, spreading Islam.

Explanation: The Umayyad Caliphate's expansion in the 8th century led to the incorporation of much of the South Caucasus into the Caliphate, facilitating the spread of Islam.

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Imperial Rule and Transition (18th-19th Centuries)

The Kars Oblast and Surmalu uezd were territories annexed by the Ottoman Empire from Russia in the late 19th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kars Oblast and Surmalu uezd were territories annexed by the Russian Empire from the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century, not the other way around.

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The Treaty of Gulistan ceded all of modern-day Armenia to Russia from Iran.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Treaty of Gulistan resulted in Iran ceding territories including modern-day Dagestan and Eastern Georgia to Russia, but not all of modern-day Armenia.

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Under Russian rule in the 19th century, the South Caucasus territories were administered as a single viceroyalty.

Answer: True

Explanation: From 1844 onwards, the South Caucasus territories were consolidated and administered as a single czarist government-general, often referred to as a viceroyalty.

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The Russian Empire's expansion through the Russo-Persian Wars led to the South Caucasus strengthening its ties with Iran.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Russian Empire's expansion through the Russo-Persian Wars resulted in the South Caucasus being ceded to Russia, thereby severing historic ties with Iran.

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The administrative structure under Russian rule consolidated the region into a single czarist government-general by 1844.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1844, the Russian Empire had consolidated the South Caucasus territories into a single czarist government-general, often functioning as a viceroyalty.

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Which treaty concluded the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828 and resulted in Iran losing control over modern-day Armenia?

Answer: Treaty of Turkmenchay

Explanation: The Treaty of Turkmenchay, concluded after the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828, resulted in Iran ceding control over territories including all of modern-day Armenia to Russia.

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How did the Russian Empire administer the South Caucasus territories after 1844?

Answer: As a unified czarist government-general, often termed a viceroyalty.

Explanation: After 1844, the Russian Empire administered the South Caucasus territories as a unified czarist government-general, often functioning as a viceroyalty.

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20th Century and Post-Soviet Geopolitics

The geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus is characterized by stable, unified political pathways pursued by all its nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus is complex and dynamic, with nations pursuing distinct political pathways, which contributes to the region's complexity rather than stability.

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Religious and ethnic diversity is a minor factor contributing to the political tension in the South Caucasus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Religious and ethnic diversity, alongside historical rivalries, is identified as a major factor contributing to the political tension in the South Caucasus.

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Abkhazia and South Ossetia are examples of disputed territories within the South Caucasus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Abkhazia and South Ossetia are indeed recognized as heavily disputed territories located within the South Caucasus region.

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The South Caucasus was unified politically as a single republic twice in the 20th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The South Caucasus region was unified politically as a single republic on two occasions in the 20th century: briefly in 1918 and then as the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic from 1922 to 1936.

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Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus countries immediately dissolved into separate administrative regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the South Caucasus countries regained their independence as sovereign nations, rather than dissolving into separate administrative regions.

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The 2008 Russo-Georgian War helped stabilize the South Caucasus region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2008 Russo-Georgian War is cited as an event that contributed to instability in the South Caucasus region.

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Georgia has primarily sought integration with Russia, while Azerbaijan has focused on ties with the EU.

Answer: False

Explanation: Georgia has pursued integration with Europe (EU and NATO), while Armenia has maintained ties with Russia and developed EU relations, and Azerbaijan has strategically partnered with Turkey.

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All three South Caucasus countries are members of the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Answer: True

Explanation: Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are all members of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

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Georgia was the first country in the South Caucasus to be recommended for EU candidate status in late 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: In late 2023, Georgia received a recommendation for EU candidate status, making it the first country in the South Caucasus to achieve this milestone.

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Armenia officially endorsed its EU accession in early 2025 after the European Parliament passed a resolution.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following a European Parliament resolution, Armenia's parliament approved a bill officially endorsing its EU accession in early 2025.

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The 'EU Strategy for the South Caucasus' indicates a formal policy framework for EU engagement with the region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mention of the 'EU Strategy for the South Caucasus' signifies a formal policy framework established by the European Union for its engagement with the region.

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Post-independence geopolitical strategies show Azerbaijan relying heavily on Russia, while Georgia focuses on Turkey.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-independence geopolitical strategies indicate Azerbaijan has strategically partnered with Turkey, Georgia has pursued integration with Europe, and Armenia has maintained ties with Russia.

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The mention of 'Post-Soviet states' highlights the South Caucasus countries' shared history within the former USSR.

Answer: True

Explanation: The inclusion of 'Post-Soviet states' in related sections emphasizes the shared historical context of the South Caucasus countries within the former Soviet Union and their subsequent independence.

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What factors does the source identify as contributing to the political tension in the South Caucasus?

Answer: A complex mix of religions, ethno-linguistic groups, and historical rivalries

Explanation: Political tension in the South Caucasus arises from a complex mix of religions, ethno-linguistic groups, and historical rivalries, further complicated by disputed territories.

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Which two heavily disputed territories are mentioned as being located within the South Caucasus?

Answer: Abkhazia and South Ossetia

Explanation: Abkhazia and South Ossetia are identified as two heavily disputed territories situated within the South Caucasus.

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What were the two distinct periods of political unification for the South Caucasus in the 20th century?

Answer: 1918 (April-May) and 1922-1936

Explanation: The two distinct periods of political unification for the South Caucasus in the 20th century were the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic (April-May 1918) and the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (1922-1936).

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Which event in 2008 significantly contributed to instability in the South Caucasus?

Answer: The Russo-Georgian War

Explanation: The Russo-Georgian War in 2008 significantly contributed to instability in the South Caucasus region.

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Which direction best describes Georgia's primary geopolitical strategy since independence?

Answer: Integration into wider European society, seeking NATO and EU ties.

Explanation: Since independence, Georgia's primary geopolitical strategy has been integration into wider European society, seeking ties with NATO and the EU.

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Which international organizations include all three South Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) as members?

Answer: Council of Europe, OSCE, and EU's Eastern Partnership

Explanation: All three South Caucasus countries are members of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, among other international organizations.

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Cultural, Economic, and Demographic Aspects

The South Caucasus is primarily known for its mineral resources like oil and manganese ore, with little agricultural output.

Answer: False

Explanation: The South Caucasus is known for both mineral resources such as oil and manganese ore, and significant agricultural output including tea, citrus fruits, and wine.

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The historical population table shows a steady population decline in all South Caucasus countries from 1897 to 2014.

Answer: False

Explanation: The historical population data for the South Caucasus countries from 1897 to 2014 indicates demographic fluctuations, not a steady decline throughout the entire period.

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Vitis vinifera, the wine-producing vine, is native to regions including Turkey and Armenia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Vitis vinifera, the species of vine responsible for wine production, is native to regions that include Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia.

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The prevailing theory suggests wine production originated in Mesopotamia, not the South Caucasus.

Answer: False

Explanation: Some theories propose the South Caucasus region as the origin of wine production, supported by archaeological evidence, rather than Mesopotamia.

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The earliest archaeological evidence for wine, dating back to 8000-5000 BC, has been found in Georgia and Iran.

Answer: True

Explanation: The earliest archaeological evidence for wine, dating back to 8000-5000 BC, has been found in Georgia and Iran, with specific findings in Georgia dating to approximately 8000 BC.

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The earliest known winery was discovered in modern-day Turkey.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest known winery, dated to approximately 4000 BC, was discovered in Armenia, not Turkey.

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World War I and the Russian Revolution caused a population increase in the South Caucasus around 1920-1922.

Answer: False

Explanation: World War I and the Russian Revolution led to a population decrease in the South Caucasus around 1920-1922, not an increase.

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The population of Georgia in 1926 was recorded as approximately 2.67 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The population of Georgia in 1926 was recorded as approximately 2,666,494, which is about 2.67 million.

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The term 'Ibero-Caucasian languages' refers to a classification of languages spoken primarily in the Iberian Peninsula.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Ibero-Caucasian languages' refers to a proposed linguistic classification for languages spoken in the Caucasus region, not primarily in the Iberian Peninsula.

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The demographic data covers historical population figures from 1897 up to the early 21st century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The demographic data presented covers historical population figures spanning from 1897 up to the early 21st century (specifically 2009-2014).

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What is Vitis vinifera, and what is its connection to the South Caucasus?

Answer: The wine-producing vine species, native to areas including the South Caucasus.

Explanation: Vitis vinifera is the wine-producing vine species, and it is native to regions including the South Caucasus, indicating the area's ancient connection to viticulture.

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Where was the world's earliest known winery discovered, according to archaeological findings?

Answer: In Armenia, dating to 4000 BC

Explanation: According to archaeological findings, the world's earliest known winery, dated to approximately 4000 BC, was discovered in Armenia.

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What historical events are cited as causes for the population decline in the South Caucasus between 1914 and 1922?

Answer: World War I and the Russian Revolution

Explanation: World War I and the Russian Revolution are cited as the primary historical events causing population decline in the South Caucasus between 1914 and 1922.

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Regional Terminology and Contextual Information

The term 'Transcaucasia' originates from a Latin translation of a Russian term meaning 'in front of the Caucasus'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term "Transcaucasia" is a Latin rendering of the Russian word "Zakavkazye," which translates to "beyond the Caucasus," not "in front of the Caucasus."

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The 'See also' section lists related topics like the North Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section includes references to related geographical areas such as the North Caucasus and Eastern Europe, as well as post-Soviet states.

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The 'Authority control' section helps users find standardized catalog information across different databases.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Authority control' section provides links to various databases, facilitating the retrieval of standardized catalog information and related resources for the South Caucasus.

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The infobox image displays a map of the region prepared by the Russian State Department in 1994.

Answer: False

Explanation: The infobox image displays a map of the Caucasus region prepared by the U.S. State Department in 1994, not the Russian State Department.

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The 'Caucasus' entry in 'See also' refers only to the North Caucasus region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Caucasus' entry in the 'See also' section refers to the broader geographical region encompassing both the South and North Caucasus.

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The term 'Transcaucasia' is a Latin rendering of a Russian word meaning:

Answer: Beyond the Caucasus

Explanation: The term "Transcaucasia" is a Latin rendering of the Russian word "Zakavkazye," which translates to "beyond the Caucasus."

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What does the mention of 'EU Strategy for the South Caucasus' suggest?

Answer: A formal EU policy framework for engagement with the region.

Explanation: The mention of the 'EU Strategy for the South Caucasus' suggests a formal policy framework established by the European Union for its engagement with the region.

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