Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It has a population of over 34 million people and its capital and largest city is Tashkent.

The history of Uzbekistan goes back over 2,000 years, with the region being inhabited by various tribes and empires over the centuries. In the early 20th century, Uzbekistan became part of the Soviet Union, and gained independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Uzbekistan has a diverse economy, with agriculture, natural resources, and industry being the major sectors. Cotton, wheat, and fruits are the main agricultural products, while natural gas, oil, and minerals such as gold, copper, and uranium are some of its major natural resources. Industry in Uzbekistan includes textiles, food processing, metallurgy, and automotive production.

Uzbekistan is known for its rich cultural heritage, with various landmarks and monuments throughout the country. Some of its most popular tourist attractions include the historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their well-preserved Islamic architecture and historic significance. Uzbekistan is also known for its music, dance, and traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, and wood carving.

The government of Uzbekistan is a presidential republic, with the president being both the head of state and the head of government. The country has been criticized by human rights organizations for its lack of political freedoms and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. However, in recent years, the government has taken steps to reform the country's legal and economic systems, including allowing a more open business environment and promoting foreign investment.

Telephone Code
998

Local Emergency Phone
3

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Mostly mid-latitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east

Currency (Code)
Uzbekistani soum (UZS)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Uzbek, Russian, Tajik

Major Religions
Muslim 88% (mostly Sunni), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Samarkand; Shahrisabz; Tashkent; Bukhara, Khiva; Aral Sea; Fergana Valley

Major Sports
Soccer, wrestling, equestrian sport

Cultural Practices
Bargaining is expected at the market and in most shops. Do not be surprised if prices are haggled over.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not required in restaurants and cafes since a service charge is automatically added to the bill. Bellhops may expect a small gratuity.

Souvenirs
Koran stands and other carved and painted wooden items, filigree cylinder necklaces, engraved metal items, Asian-style carpets, Kolyb prayer rugs, decorative textiles, handmade silk and embroidered items, Soviet memorabilia, knives, spices

Traditional Cuisine
Plov — a base consisting of seasoned carrots, onions, garlic, and meat sautéed in fat is first prepared and then rice is added over the previously sautéed ingredients, topped with water, and simmered until the rice is fully cooked; ingredients typically added to Plov include meat, vegetables, and raisins or other fruit

Geography
Area
total: 447,400 sq km
land: 425,400 sq km
water: 22,000 sq km

Climate
mostly mid-latitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east

Natural resources
natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

People and Society
Population
31,360,836 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Uzbek 83.8%, Tajik 4.8%, Kazakh 2.5%, Russian 2.3%, Karakalpak 2.2%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.9% (2017 est.)

Languages
Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Religions
Muslim 88% (mostly Sunni), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Population growth rate
0.81% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic; highly authoritarian

Capital
name: Tashkent (Toshkent)

Economy
Economic overview
lower middle-income Central Asian economy; CIS Free Trade Area member but no intention of EAEU membership; key natural gas, cotton, and gold exporter; landlocked and environmentally fragile; positive growth through COVID-19, but poverty increasing

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$270.062 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$7,700 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
milk, wheat, potatoes, carrots/turnips, cotton, tomatoes, vegetables, grapes, onions, watermelons

Industries
textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, mining, hydrocarbon extraction, chemicals

Exports
$16.399 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Switzerland 19%, United Kingdom 17%, Russia 15%, China 14%, Kazakhstan 9%, Turkey 8%, Kyrgyzstan 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
gold, natural gas, cotton fibers, copper, ethylene polymers (2019)

Imports
$27.774 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 23%, Russia 18%, South Korea 11%, Kazakhstan 9%, Turkey 6%, Germany 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
cars and vehicle parts, packaged medicines, refined petroleum, aircraft, construction vehicles (2019)