Overview of Uzbekistan

Profile

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country stretching from the southeastern Aral Sea to the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The capital Tashkent and ancient capitals like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving numerous Islamic architecture known for its blue mosaics. The main industries are primary products centered on cotton, natural gas, and gold, as well as light industry, and in recent years, economic reforms have been progressing with a focus on tourism and IT industry promotion and foreign investment. It is a multi-ethnic country with Uzbeks accounting for about 80% of the population, and the official language is Uzbek. The cuisine, represented by the pilaf "plov," uses a lot of mutton and wheat, and the custom of serving green tea is rooted.

Official name: Republic of Uzbekistan
Common name: Uzbekistan
Numeric code: 860
Alpha-3 code: UZB
Alpha-2 code: UZ
Population: Approximately 37 million (2024)
Population density: Approximately 82 people/km²
Primary languages: Uzbek
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Calling code: +998
Internet TLD: .uz

History

From the oasis civilization centered on Samarkand through the Timurid Empire, Russian and Soviet rule, to independence in 1991.

It prospered as a trading city of ancient Iranian-speaking Sogdians and flourished as the center of the Silk Road under the rule of Arabs, Mongols, and the Timurid dynasty. In the late 19th century, it came under the influence of the Russian Empire, and the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was established in 1924. Shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union, it declared independence on September 1, 1991, and adopted a presidential republican system. Since 2016, under President Mirziyoyev after the long-term Karimov regime, economic liberalization and improvement of relations with neighbors have been progressing.

Geography & climate

Both Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts, the Fergana Valley, and the highlands of the Zeravshan and Tian Shan foothills spread out in a mosaic.

Dry Continental Climate

Area: Asia / 448978 km²
Capital: Tashkent
Largest city: Tashkent
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Aral Sea, Aydar Lake, Sarykamysh Lake
Bordering countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan

Natural resources

Natural gas, Cotton, Gold, Copper, Uranium, Oil, Silver, Molybdenum, Tungsten, Coal, Salt, Marble, Sulfur, Wind power, Solar radiation

Politics

Government: Presidential Republic

Economy

Currency: Som (UZS)

GDP (nominal): 800 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 3,680 hundred million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Uzbek

Time zone: Uzbekistan Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Uzbek, Tajik, Kazakh, Russian, Karakalpak, Tatar, Korean (Koryo-saram), Kyrgyz

Life expectancy

Approximately 72.0 years

Literacy rate

Over 99%

National sports

Soccer, Kurash (ethnic martial art), Wrestling, Boxing, Gymnastics, Tennis