The Aral Sea was historically a part of Karakalpak culture, and the region is commonly associated with its draining.[17] As a result of the draining of the Aral Sea, Karakalpakstan became one of Uzbekistan's poorest regions,[18] and living conditions have worsened as a result of decreased access to drinking water and the spread of infectious disease.[19] The continued decreasing habitability of Karakalpakstan as a result of the Aral Sea's draining has also caused a significant decrease in economic opportunities, and many within the region have blamed the draining for the worsening situation in the region.[20]