Fall, stagnation, rise -: Education and health in Central Asia

With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the Central Asian states' social systems were plunged into crisis. This crisis appears to have bottomed out. To this day, these states live off the infrastructure and socio-political inheritance of the Soviet Union. Literacy rates are high; at the same time, facilities are inefficient and under-financed. The governments know about the problems and show a willingness to reform. The basic conditions are better than ever: The gross domestic product is rising. Indicators of development such as life expectancy are pointing upward. Investments and reform are necessary to make the transition from underdeveloped to modern societies. Health and education are the preconditions of all development.