# Uzbekistan

> sovereign state in Central Asia

**Wikidata**: [Q265](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q265)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzbekistan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/uzbekistan

## Summary
Uzbekistan is a sovereign state and doubly landlocked country located in Central Asia, officially known as the Republic of Uzbekistan (O'zbekiston Respublikasi). It gained independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with its capital established in Tashkent and a population exceeding 34 million as of 2021. The nation serves as a significant regional hub bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, characterized by a presidential system of government and a diverse cultural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: O'zbekiston Respublikasi (Republic of Uzbekistan).
- **Capital City**: Tashkent.
- **Independence Date**: 1991 (replacing the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic and the Soviet Union).
- **Population**: 34,915,100 (preferred value, 2021).
- **Area**: 448,978 square kilometres.
- **Continent**: Asia (specifically Central Asia).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 41°, Longitude 66°.
- **Highest Point**: Khazret Sultan (4,643 metres).
- **Lowest Point**: Sarygamysh Lake (-12 metres).
- **Government Type**: Presidential system; sovereign state; doubly landlocked country.
- **Head of State**: Shavkat Mirziyoyev (since September 8, 2016).
- **Head of Government**: Abdulla Aripov (since December 14, 2016); previously Islam Karimov (1991–2016).
- **Legislative Body**: Oliy Majlis.
- **Official Language**: Uzbek (also uses Tajik, Russian, Northern Uzbek, Kazakh, Karakalpak, and Uzbeki Arabic).
- **Currency**: Uzbek som (since July 1, 1994); previously Banknotes of Uzbekistan, 1992 (November 15, 1993 – July 1, 1994).
- **Timezone**: UTC+05:00 (Asia/Tashkent for most regions; Asia/Samarkand for specific regions including Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Navoiy, Qashqadaryo, Samarqand, Surxondaryo, and Xorazm).
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic.
- **Emergency Number**: 112.
- **International Calling Code**: +998.
- **Internet TLD**: .uz.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: UZ, Alpha-3: UZB, Numeric: 860.
- **M49 Code**: 860.
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 437.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 434.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: CX (Note: Source lists CX, though standard is UZ; strictly following source data).
- **Licence Plate Code**: UZ (since 1992).
- **National Anthem**: National Anthem of Uzbekistan.
- **National Flag**: Flag of Uzbekistan.
- **Coat of Arms**: Emblem of Uzbekistan.
- **Public Holiday**: Novruz.
- **VAT Rate**: 20%.
- **Life Expectancy**: 72 years (2022, preferred value).
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.727 (2021, preferred value).
- **Gini Coefficient**: 35.3 (2003).
- **Nominal GDP**: $69,238,900,000 (2021).
- **Unemployment Rate**: 11% (2014).
- **Birth Rate**: 26.2 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Death Rate**: 4.8 per 1,000 (2022).
- **Total Fertility Rate**: 2.2 (2014, preferred value).
- **Age of Majority**: 16 years.
- **Marriageable Age**: 17 years (all genders).
- **Electricity**: 220 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug and AS/NZS 3112.
- **Demographics**: Predominantly Uzbeks (80% in 1996), followed by Russians (5.5%), Tajiks (5%), Kazakhs (3%), Karakalpaks (2.5%), and Tatars (1.5%).
- **Administrative Divisions**: Contains Tashkent, Karakalpakstan, Andijan Region, Bukhara Region, Fergana Region, Jizzakh Region, Namangan Region, Navoiy Region, Qashqadaryo Region, Samarqand Region, Sirdaryo Region, Surxondaryo Region, Tashkent Region, and Xorazm Region.

## FAQs
**What is the geographical and political status of Uzbekistan?**
Uzbekistan is a sovereign state and a doubly landlocked country situated in Central Asia, meaning it is surrounded entirely by other landlocked nations. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest.

**How is the government of Uzbekistan structured and who leads it?**
The country operates as a presidential system where the President serves as both head of state and head of government. Shavkat Mirziyoyev has held the presidency since September 2016, while the legislative authority rests with the bicameral Oliy Majlis.

**What are the key demographic and economic indicators for Uzbekistan?**
As of 2021, the population stands at approximately 34.9 million, with a life expectancy of 72 years and an HDI classified as "medium" at 0.727. The economy, valued at roughly $69.2 billion in nominal GDP in 2021, utilizes the Uzbek som and maintains a VAT rate of 20%.

**Which international organizations is Uzbekistan a member of?**
Uzbekistan is an active member of the United Nations (since 1992), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the World Trade Organization. It also participates in regional bodies like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (with varying membership periods) and the Organization of Turkic States.

**What are the linguistic and cultural characteristics of the nation?**
While Uzbek is the official language, the country is multilingual, with significant usage of Tajik, Russian, Kazakh, and Karakalpak. The culture is deeply rooted in Central Asian traditions, highlighted by the celebration of Novruz and a diverse ethnic composition led by Uzbeks.

## Why It Matters
Uzbekistan matters as a pivotal geopolitical anchor in Central Asia, serving as a bridge between East and West due to its strategic location and historical role on the Silk Road. As the most populous nation in the region, it influences regional stability, security, and economic development, particularly through its leadership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its diplomatic relations with major global powers like China, Russia, and the United States. The country has undergone significant political and economic reforms since 2016, transitioning from isolation to active engagement in global trade and tourism, making it a critical case study for post-Soviet development. Its rich cultural heritage, including historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, contributes immensely to global history and tourism, while its management of water resources and the Aral Sea crisis remains a vital environmental concern for the international community. Furthermore, Uzbekistan's demographic youth and growing economy position it as a future engine for Central Asian growth and a key player in energy and logistics corridors connecting Asia to Europe.

## Notable For
- **Doubly Landlocked Status**: One of only two countries in the world (along with Liechtenstein) that is landlocked and surrounded entirely by other landlocked countries.
- **Historic Silk Road Cities**: Home to UNESCO World Heritage sites including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which preserve centuries of architectural and cultural history.
- **Political Transition**: Successfully transitioned from the long rule of Islam Karimov (1991–2016) to a new era under Shavkat Mirziyoyev, marked by opening borders and economic liberalization.
- **Demographic Weight**: The most populous country in Central Asia, with a rapidly growing young population exceeding 34 million.
- **Aral Sea Crisis**: The site of one of the world's most severe environmental disasters, driving global attention on water management and ecological restoration efforts.
- **Cultural Diversity**: A unique blend of Turkic, Persian, and Russian influences, reflected in its languages, cuisine, and architecture.
- **Strategic Alliances**: A founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and a key partner in the Organization of Turkic States.
- **Economic Reform**: Implementation of significant currency liberalization and foreign investment incentives starting in 2017.
- **Historic Independence**: Emerged as a sovereign state in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, replacing the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.
- **Agricultural Heritage**: Historically a major producer of cotton, often referred to as "white gold," though diversifying its agricultural output.

## Body

### History and Independence
Uzbekistan's modern history began with its declaration of independence in 1991, marking the end of its status as the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. The territory was previously part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, with its name derived from the Uzbeks, the dominant ethnic group. The country's path to sovereignty involved the dissolution of the USSR, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Prior to the Soviet era, the region was a collection of khanates and emirates, including the Emirate of Bukhara and the Khanate of Khiva, which were absorbed into the Russian Empire in the late 19th century. The capital, Tashkent, served as a major administrative center during the Soviet period and retained this status upon independence. The country replaced the Soviet Union as the primary political entity in the region, inheriting its borders and administrative structures.

### Geography and Environment
Geographically, Uzbekistan is a vast territory of 448,978 square kilometres located entirely within the Central Asian region of Asia. It is a doubly landlocked country, meaning it has no direct access to the ocean and is surrounded by five other landlocked nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The landscape is characterized by the Kyzylkum Desert, which covers a significant portion of the country, and the fertile valleys of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. The highest point in the nation is Khazret Sultan, reaching an elevation of 4,643 metres, while the lowest point is Sarygamysh Lake at -12 metres. The country's coordinates are approximately latitude 41° and longitude 66°, with extreme points ranging from 37.1875°N to 45.6°N in latitude and 56°E to 73.1375°E in longitude. The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake in the world, has drastically shrunk due to irrigation projects, creating a significant ecological crisis. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, and the country is divided into several administrative regions including the Karakalpakstan autonomous republic and various oblasts like Fergana, Samarkand, and Tashkent.

### Government and Politics
Uzbekistan operates as a presidential constitutional republic with a presidential system of government. The head of state and government is the President, currently Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who assumed office on September 8, 2016, succeeding the long-serving Islam Karimov. The executive branch is led by the Government of Uzbekistan, with Abdulla Aripov serving as the Prime Minister since December 14, 2016. The legislative power is vested in the Oliy Majlis, a bicameral parliament. The country's political landscape has evolved significantly since 2016, moving towards greater openness and engagement with the international community. The legal system is based on civil law, and the country maintains diplomatic relations with numerous nations, including Germany, Ukraine, Russia, China, and the United States. The democracy index score for 2021 was 2.12, reflecting a specific classification in global governance metrics. The BTI Governance Index score for 2022 was 3.83, indicating ongoing developments in governance quality.

### Demographics and Society
The population of Uzbekistan is diverse and growing, with a total of 34,915,100 people recorded in 2021. The demographic profile shows a significant urban-rural split, with urban population reaching 17,990,170 and rural population at 17,657,930 in 2022. The ethnic composition is predominantly Uzbek, accounting for 80% of the population in 1996, followed by Russians (5.5%), Tajiks (5%), Kazakhs (3%), Karakalpaks (2.5%), and Tatars (1.5%). The official language is Uzbek, but Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, and other languages are widely spoken. The age of majority is 16 years, and the marriageable age is 17 years for all genders. Life expectancy has improved over the decades, reaching 72 years in 2022. The birth rate was 26.2 per 1,000 in 2022, while the death rate was 4.8 per 1,000. The total fertility rate was estimated at 2.2 in 2014. The society is characterized by a mix of traditional values and modernizing trends, with a significant youth population driving future development.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Uzbekistan is a mixed economy with a nominal GDP of $69,238,900,000 in 2021. The currency is the Uzbek som, which replaced the previous banknotes in 1994. The country's economic indicators include a Gini coefficient of 35.3 (2003) and an unemployment rate of 11% (2014). The VAT rate is set at 20%. Infrastructure development includes a right-hand traffic system and an electrical grid operating at 220 volts and 50 Hz, utilizing Europlug and AS/NZS 3112 plug types. The country has been focusing on diversifying its economy beyond agriculture, particularly cotton, into manufacturing, mining, and services. The central bank is the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. The country's strategic location facilitates trade routes, and it has been investing in transport infrastructure to enhance connectivity with neighboring countries and global markets.

### International Relations and Memberships
Uzbekistan maintains active diplomatic relations with a wide range of countries, including Germany, Ukraine, Russia, China, the United States, and many others. It is a member of numerous international organizations, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism. Key memberships include the United Nations (since March 2, 1992), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (since June 15, 2001), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (since 1996), and the World Trade Organization. The country is also part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (with membership periods from 1994–1999 and 2006–2012), the Organization of Turkic States (since 2019), and the Commonwealth of Independent States. It participates in specialized agencies such as UNESCO, the World Health Organization, and the International Telecommunication Union. Uzbekistan has also signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and is a member of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Asian Development Bank.

### Symbols and Culture
The national symbols of Uzbekistan include the Flag of Uzbekistan, the Emblem of Uzbekistan, and the National Anthem of Uzbekistan. The country's motto is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but its cultural identity is deeply rooted in the history of the Silk Road. The public holiday of Novruz is widely celebrated, marking the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. The culture is a vibrant mix of Turkic, Persian, and Islamic traditions, evident in its music, literature, and architecture. The historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are renowned for their Islamic architecture and are major tourist attractions. The country's cultural influence extends through its contributions to literature, music, and the arts, with a rich heritage of poetry and craftsmanship.

### Administrative Divisions
Uzbekistan is divided into several administrative territorial entities, including the capital city of Tashkent and the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. The country is further subdivided into regions (oblasts) such as Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Jizzakh, Namangan, Navoiy, Qashqadaryo, Samarqand, Sirdaryo, Surxondaryo, Tashkent, and Xorazm. Each region has its own administrative structure and contributes to the country's regional diversity. The capital, Tashkent, serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the nation. The administrative divisions reflect the country's historical and ethnic diversity, with Karakalpakstan having a unique autonomous status within the republic.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Uzbekistan utilizes a range of technical identifiers for international and domestic use. The country's top-level internet domain is .uz, and its international calling code is +998. The ISO 3166-1 codes are UZ (Alpha-2), UZB (Alpha-3), and 860 (Numeric). The M49 code is also 860. The mobile country code is 434, and the maritime identification digits are 437. The licence plate code is UZ, used since 1992. The emergency phone number is 112. The country's timezone is UTC+05:00, with specific regions using the Asia/Samarkand timezone. The aircraft registration prefix is CX, and the driving side is right. The country is also identified by various international codes such as the IOC country code UZB, the UIC numerical country code 29, and the FIPS 10-4 code UZ.

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