A Brief Description Archeological evidence in Uzbekistan indicates that Iranian nomads built settlements at Bukhoro and Samarqand in the first millennium B.C. Over the centuries, the savage armies of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane conquered the lands, but by the early 16th century, fierce, indigenous Uzbek tribes controlled most of Central Asia; they subsequently built their cities and established regional commerce. Then, due to growing ocean-based commerce, many cities in this part of Asia, once important stops along the Silk Road trade route, began to decline. In addition to the economic pressures caused by their now increasing isolation, the Bukhoro, Khiva and Quqon tribes (khanates) were hurt by wars with Iran and attacks from northern nomads. In the late 19th century, Russia, envious of this valuable land to its south, invaded and conquered all of Uzbekistan, and by 1924, it was transformed into a socialist republic. During that Soviet domination, aggressive production of cotton and grains led to a (almost criminal) overuse of agricultural chemicals and the depletion of local water supplies; the subsequent result is a vast area of unusable (or poisoned) land with many rivers and lakes almost dry. Uzbekistan gained its independence in 1991, and after a decade of difficult recovery, now focuses on its extensive mineral and petroleum reserves, and the agricultural potential of the Fergana Valley. Historic Tashkent, the largest city in Central Asia, has several surviving buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, but due to earthquake damage, much of the city has been rebuilt. Learn more about Uzbekistan here. The beautiful mountain scenery of Uzbekistan Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Uzbekistan (long form) Republic of Uzbekistan Population 26,851,195 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Tashkent (2.2 million) Currency Uzbekistani Soum (UZS) Currency Converter here Languages Uzbek (74%), Russian (14%), others Flag here National Day September 1 Religions Muslim, mostly Sunnis (88%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), others The meaning of "stan" here! Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 41º 16' N, 69º 13' E Relative Location Uzbekistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. Land Statistics Coastline 0 (landlocked) Land Areas (land) 164,248 sq miles (425,400 sq km) (water) 8,494 sq miles (22,000 sq km) (TOTAL) 172,742 sq miles (447,400 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms The topography of Uzbekistan is about 80% sandy, scrubby desert, including the massive Kyzyl Kum. The mountains of the southeast and northeast, are foothills and lower mountains of the Tian Shan Range, an extension of the Himalayas. The Fergana Valley, between the northeast and southeast mountain ranges, is reportedly home to the most desirable agricultural land and climate in all of western Asia. In the far west, Uzbekistan is dominated by vast lowlands, the Amu Darya River valley, the Ustyurt Plateau and the southern half of the Aral Sea. The most significant rivers include the Amu Darya and Syr Darya; major lakes include Lake Ayddrkul and Lake Sarykamish. The Aral Sea, located in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is disappearing. Mismanagement of this valuable sea by the overuse of its tributary rivers is now recognized as one of the world's worst environmental disasters. Highest Pt. Adelunga Toghi - 10,298 ft. (4,301 m) Lowest Pt. Uzbekistan's portion of Sarykamish Lake; here low points vary throughout the year - to recorded lows near (-12 m) below sea level along its shoreline. Land Divisions 12 provinces, 1 autonomous republic and 1 autonomous city; provinces include: Andijon Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg'ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati, Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati, Surxondaryo Viloyati, Toshkent Viloyati and Xorazm Viloyati. Qoraqalpogiston is the autonomous republic and Tashkent the autonomous city.

Maps Uzbekistan (large color) Map here Uzbekistan Outline Map here Uzbekistan CIA version here Uzbekistan Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Uzbekistan (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here Uzbekistan Embassy (Washington DC) here Uzbekistan Government Site here Uzbekistan Photos at TrekEarth.com here Uzbekistan Travel here Entrance to the Sher Dor Medressa, Uzbekistan Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +5) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate In general terms Uzbekistan's climate includes hot summers and cold winters. Summer highs commonly reach over 100° F, averaging 90° F; winter temperatures reach –35° F, averaging –7° F. Winter temperatures moderate significant in the lower elevations, and summer highs are greatly reduced in the upper elevations of the mountains. Rainfall amounts are light with most falling in the winter and spring months; precipitation is greatly reduced, July through September. Traveler Info Attractions Uzbekistan, at one time, was the center of powerful ancient empires and international trade, The cities of Bukhoro, Khiva, Samarqand and the capital city of Tashkent, all once located on the ancient Silk Road, still contain well preserved relics of their Muslim and Oriental history, including stunning mosques and squares. Recently, eco-tourism in Uzbekistan has increased, and numerous tours are now available. And in that regard, all tourists are advised to use experienced tour operators when traveling into Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaida, the Islamic Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are still active in the overall region. Subsequently, the U.S. Department of State and other western governments urge their citizens that travel into Uzbekistan to exercise extreme caution, including avoiding large crowds, celebrations, and popular tourism spots, as in the past, kidnappings, assassinations and suicide bombings have occurred. Country Dialing Code 998 Electricity Uzbekistan uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

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This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November, 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/uzbekistan.html