Uzbekistans

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. The capital and largest city is Tashkent.

The official language is Uzbek, a Turkic language, while Russian remains widely used in government and interethnic communication. There are significant Uzbek communities of Karakalpak, Tajik and other language groups within the country.

Uzbekistan is a unitary presidential republic with an elected president and a bicameral legislature, the Senate and the Legislative Chamber. The constitution guarantees fundamental rights, and the government has pursued reforms to improve governance, the rule of law, and the business climate.

The economy is diversified, with important sectors including cotton and agriculture, energy, gold mining, and manufacturing. Reforms since 2016 under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have aimed to liberalize the economy, attract investment, and simplify visa and customs procedures. Major exports include textiles, gold, and natural gas. The country remains a major producer of cotton, though policy changes have targeted more sustainable agricultural practices.

Historically, Uzbekistan lies along the Silk Road and is home to cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, renowned for Timurid-era architecture. It was part of the Soviet Union as the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic from 1924 until independence in 1991. Uzbek culture features traditional crafts, music, and cuisine, including plov (pilaf).

Geography and environment are characterized by arid and continental landscapes, with deserts like the Kyzylkum and extensive river basins. Climate ranges from hot summers to cold winters, and water resources, along with the shrinking Aral Sea, have been significant environmental and policy concerns.