Ozbekiston

Ozbekiston, officially the Republic of Uzbekistan, is a landlocked nation in Central Asia. It borders Kazakhstan to the north and west, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. The capital and largest city is Tashkent. Uzbek is the official language; Russian is also widely used in government, business, and daily life.

Covering about 447,400 square kilometers, Uzbekistan has a population of roughly 34 million. The country is ethnically diverse, with Uzbeks forming the majority alongside Tajiks, Kazakhs, Turkmens, Russians, Karakalpaks, and others. The landscape includes deserts such as the Kyzylkum, fertile valleys like the Fergana, and eastern mountainous areas.

Historically a major node on the Silk Road, the region was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century and became a Soviet republic in 1924. It gained independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Since 2016, the country has pursued political and economic reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focusing on market liberalization and modernization of institutions.

Uzbekistan has a diversified economy with agriculture, energy, and manufacturing as key sectors. Cotton, fruits, and textiles are traditional exports, while natural gas and gold mining contribute to growth. The government has promoted investment, infrastructure projects, and privatization. The Som (UZS) is the national currency, and major transport links include roads, rail, and the Tashkent Metro.

Cultural heritage is tied to the Silk Road, with historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva reflecting Timurid architecture. These sites are UNESCO World Heritage properties. National culture includes music, crafts, and cuisine such as plov, reflecting Turkic, Persian, and Islamic influences. Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions (viloyatlar), plus the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the capital city, Tashkent.