Uzbekistan

The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.

Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva never fail to impress visitors with their fabulous mosques, medressas and mausoleums, while its more eccentric attractions, such as the fast disappearing Aral Sea, the fortresses of desperately remote Karakalpakstan, its boom town capital Tashkent and the ecotourism opportunities of the Nuratau Mountains, mean that even the most diverse tastes can be catered for.

Despite being a harshly governed police state, Uzbekistan remains an extremely friendly country where hospitality remains an essential element of daily life and you’ll be made to feel genuinely welcome by the people you meet.

Since the first days of independence the government of the country has found the way to meet the interests of the Uzbek nation and provide social, political and economic stability.

At present trade-economic links have been established with more than 140 countries. More than 3800 joint ventures operate in the Republic and the total volume of exported goods has increased 1,5 times.

Support to on-going reforms in the economic and social spheres is provided by the international financial structures.

Uzbekistan is developing its co-operation with well-known international organizations such as the EU, OSCE, NATO and is strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations with many countries of Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and the countries of the CIS.

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan
conventional short form: Uzbekistan
local long form: O’zbekiston Respublikasi
local short form: O’zbekiston
Government type: republic
Capital: Tashkent (Toshkent)
Administrative divisions: 12 provinces (viloyatlar, singular – viloyat), 1 autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city** (shahar); Andijon Viloyati, Buxoro Viloyati, Farg’ona Viloyati, Jizzax Viloyati, Namangan Viloyati, Navoiy Viloyati, Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi), Qaraqalpog’iston Respublikasi* (Nukus), Samarqand Viloyati, Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston), Surxondaryo Viloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri**, Toshkent Viloyati, Xorazm Viloyati (Urganch)
Independence: 1 September 1991
National holiday: Independence Day, 1 September (1991)
Constitution: new constitution adopted 8 December 1992
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal