Uzbekistan Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Uzbekistan, Central Asia State; 447,400 km², 33 million residents (2019).Uzbekistan borders on Kazakhstan in the north and northwest, in the east to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, in the south to Afghanistan and in the west to Turkmenistan. Administratively, Uzbekistan is divided into 12 counties as well as the capital and the Karakal package. The capital is Tashkent (2.4 million residents, 2014).

Country facts

Özbegiston Respublikasy / Uzbekistan
Country abbreviation: UZ
Area: 447 400 km²
Population (2019): 33 million residents
Capital: Tashkent
Main language: Uzbek
State: Republic
Head of State: Shavkat Mirziyoyev (President)
Head of Government: Abdulla Aripov (Prime Minister)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 1,532
GNI per capita (2018): USD 2,020
Coin unit: 1 sum = 100 teen
Currency code: UZS
Country number (telephony): 998
Internet domain name: uz
Time difference compared to Sweden: +4
National Day: September 1 (Independence Day, 1991)

Nature

Land use: forest (3%), agricultural land (10%), other (87%)
Highest mountain: Bajsuntaubergen (4,424 m asl)

Population

Population density (2019): 74 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 1.7%; birthrate 22 ‰, death count 5 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (28%), 15-64 (68%), 65- (4%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 71 years, women 76 years
Infant mortality (2019): 11 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 46 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.710 (place 105 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 51%
Most populous cities (2014): Tashkent (2.4 million residents), Samarkand (509,000), Namangan (475,700)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (18%), industry (34%), service (48%)
Exports (2017): USD 11,480 million
Main export products: natural gas, cotton, gold
Main exporting countries: Switzerland, China, Russian Federation
Imports (2017): US $ 11,420 million
Main import products: machinery, food, chemicals
Main importing countries: China, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan
Railway network (2018): 4,600 km

Geography of Uzbekistan

Location

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It shares borders with five countries: Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Uzbekistan is one of the largest countries in Central Asia, covering an area of approximately 447,400 square kilometers (172,742 square miles). This central position in the heart of the Asian continent has given Uzbekistan strategic significance throughout history, serving as a crossroads for trade and culture.

Topography

Uzbekistan’s topography is diverse, with a combination of flat plains, mountain ranges, and desert regions. The country’s landscape is shaped by its location between the Tien Shan Mountains in the east and the vast desert areas of the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts in the west. The eastern part of Uzbekistan is more mountainous, with the Tien Shan and the Pamir Mountains influencing the region’s climate and geography. In contrast, the western part of the country consists of flat, arid plains, where agriculture relies heavily on irrigation from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.

Uzbekistan’s most notable geographical feature is the extensive basin of the Aral Sea, which once provided a significant water source for the region but has since experienced a drastic shrinkage, causing environmental and ecological challenges for the country.

Natural Resources

Uzbekistan is endowed with a wide array of natural resources, including significant mineral deposits and fertile land. The country is a major producer of cotton, which has historically been a key economic driver. Other agricultural products include wheat, fruits, vegetables, and livestock. Uzbekistan also holds vast mineral resources, including gold, uranium, and natural gas. The country’s oil and gas reserves are substantial, and Uzbekistan is one of the top producers of natural gas in the region. The mining sector, particularly gold and uranium extraction, plays a key role in Uzbekistan’s economy.

The country’s rivers, especially the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, provide vital water resources for irrigation and support agriculture, despite the environmental challenges resulting from the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Additionally, Uzbekistan is known for its rich deposits of precious metals, such as gold, and is one of the world’s top gold producers.

Climate of Uzbekistan

General Climate

Uzbekistan has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The climate is heavily influenced by its landlocked position, surrounded by mountains and deserts, which leads to significant temperature fluctuations between the seasons. Summers are typically hot, especially in the southern and central regions, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher. Winters, particularly in the north, can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing in some areas.

The climate varies across the country, with the eastern mountainous areas experiencing milder temperatures due to higher altitudes. In contrast, the western desert regions are subject to more extreme temperature fluctuations. The country’s rivers, such as the Amu Darya, provide some moderation of temperature in the surrounding agricultural areas, but the general climate remains arid or semi-arid.

Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in Uzbekistan is relatively low and varies across different regions. The eastern and southern parts of the country, particularly the mountainous areas, receive more precipitation, with annual rainfall ranging from 200 mm to 400 mm (8 to 16 inches). In contrast, the western regions, especially those near the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, experience very little rainfall, with some areas receiving less than 100 mm (4 inches) of rain annually.

The country experiences a short, relatively mild spring and autumn, which are transitional periods between the hot summer and cold winter. The majority of the rainfall occurs in the winter and spring months, and the summer months are characterized by dry conditions. Due to Uzbekistan’s dependence on irrigation for agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, the scarcity of water resources and unreliable rainfall patterns pose significant challenges for farmers.

People of Uzbekistan

Population and Ethnic Composition

Uzbekistan has a population of approximately 34 million people, making it the most populous country in Central Asia. The population is ethnically diverse, with the majority (about 80%) being ethnic Uzbeks. Other significant ethnic groups in Uzbekistan include Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz. There are also smaller populations of Karakalpaks, Tatars, and Turkmen, among others.

The ethnic composition of Uzbekistan reflects the country’s historical role as a melting pot of different cultures and peoples. Over the centuries, Uzbekistan has been home to numerous civilizations and has experienced waves of migration and conquest, including the presence of Persian, Turkic, and Mongol peoples. Today, the majority of the population speaks Uzbek, which is the official language, although Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and in official capacities.

Language

Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan, spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Turkic language family and uses the Latin alphabet, which was officially adopted after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. Russian is still widely spoken, particularly in government, business, and urban settings, as it was the lingua franca during the Soviet era. Tajik, a variety of Persian, is spoken by the Tajik minority in Uzbekistan, especially in the city of Samarkand and other areas near the Tajik border.

In addition to these languages, there are various minority languages spoken by ethnic groups such as Kazakh, Karakalpak, and Kyrgyz. The diversity of languages in Uzbekistan reflects the multicultural heritage of the country, where people from different ethnic backgrounds have coexisted for centuries.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in Uzbekistan, with around 90% of the population adhering to Islam. The majority of Muslims in Uzbekistan follow Sunni Islam, while a smaller percentage practice Shia Islam, particularly among the Tajik and Kazakh minorities. Islam plays a central role in the cultural and social life of Uzbekistan, influencing daily practices, religious festivals, and traditions.

Despite the strong presence of Islam, Uzbekistan is officially secular, with the government maintaining a policy of religious freedom and keeping religious affairs separate from politics. Historically, the country was influenced by a range of spiritual traditions, including Sufism, which has left its mark on the architecture and cultural practices of the country.

In addition to Islam, there are small communities of Christians, particularly Russian Orthodox Christians, as well as Jews. These religious minorities are primarily found in urban areas, and their presence reflects the historical influence of various religious groups in the region.

Economy of Uzbekistan

Agriculture

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Uzbek economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to a substantial share of the country’s GDP. The country has a long history of agricultural production, particularly in cotton, which remains one of the country’s most important exports. Uzbekistan is one of the world’s top producers of cotton, which is grown in large quantities, particularly in the fertile areas of the Fergana Valley and along the Amu Darya River.

Other important agricultural products include wheat, fruits (especially melons and grapes), vegetables, and livestock. The country also produces rice, barley, and tobacco, although these crops are less dominant than cotton. Agriculture in Uzbekistan has traditionally been highly dependent on irrigation, and the scarcity of water resources due to the shrinking of the Aral Sea remains a significant challenge for farmers.

Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector has been undergoing reforms in recent years, with a focus on improving efficiency, diversifying crop production, and reducing the country’s dependence on cotton. However, the impact of climate change, inefficient water use, and aging infrastructure continues to pose challenges for the sector.

Industry and Manufacturing

Uzbekistan has a growing industrial sector, with a focus on textiles, food processing, and machinery manufacturing. The textile industry, in particular, is a key part of the country’s economy, leveraging Uzbekistan’s abundant cotton production to create textiles, garments, and other products. The country also has significant natural resources in the form of gold, uranium, and natural gas, which contribute to the mining and energy sectors.

The energy sector in Uzbekistan is another vital part of the economy, with the country being a major producer of natural gas and a significant exporter of electricity. The government has worked to modernize the energy infrastructure, improving both production and distribution networks to meet domestic demand and support industrial growth. Uzbekistan also has a growing automotive industry, with local production of vehicles like automobiles and buses.

The country’s manufacturing base is still developing, with ongoing investments in technology and innovation to modernize factories and create higher-value-added products. Uzbekistan has also been focusing on diversifying its industrial sector and moving beyond its dependence on raw material extraction.

Services and Tourism

The service sector in Uzbekistan has expanded in recent years, driven by improvements in infrastructure, telecommunications, and banking. The country has experienced rapid urbanization, with the rise of a burgeoning middle class and an expanding retail and financial services industry. Uzbekistan’s growing infrastructure has contributed to the development of its services sector, particularly in logistics, trade, and finance.

Tourism is an increasingly important sector of Uzbekistan’s economy, with the country’s rich history and cultural heritage attracting international visitors. The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which are located along the historic Silk Road, are popular destinations for tourists interested in Central Asia’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. Uzbekistan has worked to promote tourism, investing in the restoration of historical sites and improving travel infrastructure. However, challenges such as visa requirements, political restrictions, and the lack of sufficient tourism infrastructure in some regions remain barriers to greater expansion in the sector.

Government of Uzbekistan

Political System

Uzbekistan is a presidential republic with a strong central government. The President of Uzbekistan is the head of state and government, holding significant executive authority. The country operates under a presidential system, with the president serving as both the chief executive and the commander-in-chief of the military. The current political system was established following the country’s independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The Uzbek political system is dominated by the executive branch, and the president has the authority to appoint ministers, influence the legislature, and oversee the judiciary. The country’s legislative body, the Oliy Majlis, is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber. However, the political environment in Uzbekistan has been characterized by limited political pluralism, and opposition parties have been largely marginalized.

Uzbekistan has undergone a series of political reforms in recent years, particularly following the death of President Islam Karimov in 2016. His successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has introduced some political and economic reforms aimed at modernizing the country and promoting greater engagement with the international community.

Political History

Uzbekistan gained its independence from the Soviet Union on September 1, 1991, following the dissolution of the USSR. Under the leadership of Islam Karimov, who became the first president, Uzbekistan embarked on a path of political and economic independence. Karimov’s government was characterized by a tight grip on power, with limited political freedoms, suppression of opposition, and an emphasis on maintaining stability.

Karimov’s rule, which lasted until his death in 2016, was marked by an authoritarian political system, with restrictions on freedom of speech, press, and political opposition. However, under President Mirziyoyev, there has been some softening of the authoritarian approach, including the release of political prisoners, a push for greater economic liberalization, and efforts to improve relations with neighboring countries.

Uzbekistan’s political history reflects the broader struggles faced by many post-Soviet republics, balancing the desire for independence with the challenges of maintaining political stability and economic growth.

Governance Challenges

Uzbekistan faces several governance challenges, including corruption, political control, and a lack of transparency in government operations. The country’s economic reforms have been slow and uneven, and much of the economy remains state-controlled. Despite some progress in recent years, political freedoms remain restricted, and there are concerns about the lack of a fully functioning democratic system.

Uzbekistan also faces significant environmental challenges, particularly related to water scarcity, the degradation of the Aral Sea, and the impacts of climate change. These issues, coupled with the need to modernize infrastructure and improve the education and healthcare sectors, present significant obstacles to the country’s development.

Culture of Uzbekistan

Traditional Music and Dance

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its traditional music and dance. Uzbek music features a variety of styles, including classical, folk, and contemporary music. Traditional instruments such as the dombra (a long-necked lute), rubab (a stringed instrument), and nay (a flute) are commonly used in performances. Music and dance are often part of celebrations, with traditional dances like the lazgi and khalaj performed during festivals, weddings, and public events.

Music and dance in Uzbekistan have strong Central Asian influences, incorporating elements from Persian, Turkish, and Mongol traditions. These art forms have been preserved through generations and continue to play a vital role in expressing the cultural identity of the Uzbek people.

Art and Craft

Uzbekistan is known for its rich tradition of visual arts, particularly in the fields of carpet weaving, ceramics, and textile arts. The country has a long history of craftsmanship, with intricate designs and patterns that reflect the country’s cultural diversity. Uzbekistan’s pottery, often produced in the cities of Rishtan and Samarkand, is famous for its colorful tiles and geometric patterns.

Textiles, particularly silk, are a prominent part of Uzbek culture. The ikat style of dyeing and weaving silk fabrics has been practiced for centuries in the Fergana Valley, producing vibrant and intricate patterns. Traditional Uzbek carpets, known for their fine wool and detailed designs, are also highly prized, and Uzbek artisans have been celebrated for their skill in textile production.

Cuisine

Uzbek cuisine is rich and diverse, drawing on the country’s history as a crossroads of different cultures along the Silk Road. The staple foods of Uzbekistan are bread, rice, and meat, with plov (a rice dish with meat, vegetables, and spices) being the most iconic dish. Plov is often served at celebrations and special occasions and is considered the national dish of Uzbekistan.

Uzbek cuisine also features a variety of grilled meats, such as shashlik (skewered lamb or beef), manti (steamed dumplings), and somsa (savory pastries). The use of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and saffron, gives Uzbek dishes a distinctive flavor. Traditional drinks include green tea, which is consumed throughout the day, and non (bread), which is served with most meals.

Festivals and Celebrations

Uzbekistan’s cultural calendar is marked by a number of significant festivals and celebrations. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is widely celebrated across the country, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The festival includes music, dancing, and feasting, with people gathering in public spaces to celebrate.

Other important holidays include Independence Day (September 1), which marks the country’s independence from the Soviet Union, and Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, celebrated by the Muslim majority. Traditional weddings and family gatherings are also celebrated with elaborate feasts, music, and dancing. These cultural events serve to strengthen community ties and preserve the rich traditions of Uzbekistan.