37 million Official: Uzbek, Karakalpak
Tashkent Borders: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
Uzbek som (UZS)
Winter (Cold); Summer (Dry and Hot)
Uzbekistan is a country in the Central Asia (referred as the Republic of Uzbekistan), located between two major rivers of ancient Mesopotamia – Amudarya and Syrdarya, with a total area of 448.9 thousand square kilometers. The country spans 1425 km from west to east and 930 km from north to south. Uzbekistan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Turkmenistan to the west, and Afghanistan (short border) to the south. The permanent population of Uzbekistan is 34 million as of 2020.
Uzbekistan is situated in the very favorable geographical location among the Central Asian countries, making it vital for international transport. In addition, most of Uzbekistan’s territory consist of lowlands. The most important of these is the Turan Plain. In the East and North-East of the country are the Tien Shan and Pamir mountain ranges (the highest point in the country is 4643 m). It should be noted that Kyzylkum is considered the largest desert in the Central Asia, and it also occupies a large part of Uzbekistan. Since recent years, tourist routes have already been established in this desert area, serving for domestic and foreign tourism.
The climate in Uzbekistan is very diverse, with significant annual temperature ranges. In January the temperature is at -2 degrees Celsius on average, while in July the temperature is typically around 30 degrees Celsius. * As Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country, without nearby seas or oceans, the climate is continental (Tourists can visit at any time of the year, as the temperature rarely exceeds extreme levels, both in the summer and in the winter).
The Republic of Uzbekistan owns huge manufacturing sector, and it plays an important role in the world market in the processing of raw materials, as well as in the export of half-finished and finished products to domestic and foreign markets. Additionally, the country is very rich in natural resources. Uzbekistan is confirmed to be a leader not only among the CIS countries, but also in the world in terms of proven reserves of gold, uranium, copper, natural gas, tungsten, potassium salts, phosphatides and kaolin. It ranks fourth in gold reserves, tenth in copper reserves and seventh in uranium reserves.
Moreover, Uzbekistan owns a strong position in the agricultural sector. It’s no secret that Uzbekistan is one of the leading countries in the world in the production and export of cotton and silk products. It is vital to mention that Uzbekistan is also famous for growing a variety of sweet, natural fruits and vegetables and exporting them to European and Asian countries.
Nowadays, Uzbekistan is one of the fastest growing countries in the field of TOURISM and it is currently implementing new regulations, such as offering visa-free travel, e-visa services or tourism festivals, concerts and cultural shows. Especially in recent years, Uzbekistan has carried out a lot of systematic works in the field of tourism, and the number of international and domestic flights is growing day by day. Uzbekistan has a rich history, spanning several thousand years, and boasts ancient and legendary cities with many historical and architectural monuments, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz and Tashkent.
With its diverse culture, Uzbekistan and its people have a very unique and traditional way of life. For many centuries, Uzbekistan was a center for trade in the heart of the Great Silk Road, one of the favorite places for caravans, traders and tourists hundreds of years ago. Uzbekistan, and the Central Asia in general, is a result of different cultures and peoples, shaped and formed over centuries by rulers such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Amir Temur. This region has been home to ancient Greeks, Persians, Arabs, Mongols, indigenous Turks, Russians, and of course, central Asians. In recent years, Uzbekistan has become one of the most popular touristic destinations with its amazing history, astonishing architecture, unique culture and picturesque nature. In 2019, it was recognized as one of the top 10 most exotic, exciting and unique new destinations of the year. Currently, the bulk of tourists who visit Uzbekistan are from European and Asian countries.
Uzbekistan is proud of its architectural monuments that have been preserved till these days. For example, the Ichan-Kala complex in Khiva, the old city in Bukhara, the cities of Shakhrisabz and Samarkand are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The unique monuments and architectural wonders of these cities reflect the rich history of the country. With this in mind, Uzbekistan has a great potential for developing its tourism industry.
Uzbekistan has been a member of the International Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since 1993. From 2004, the UNWTO Office for Tourism Coordination on the Transcontinental Highway has been operating in Samarkand, in the “heart” of the Great Silk Road. The government regularly allocates resources for investments in modernizing the tourism sector, improving the country’s transport and hotel infrastructure, as well as improving the regulatory framework for tourism. The legendary past of Uzbekistan, the historical and engineering heritage of the Silk Road, the magnificent scenery of nature, the local handicrafts passed down from generations, the hospitality and human values of the people have always fascinated tourists.
Soyib Isamatov
Eldor
English
Abdumalik Muminov 
