Where is Uzbekistan Located?

Where is Uzbekistan located on the map? Uzbekistan is an independent nation located in Central Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Uzbekistan on maps.

Uzbekistan Location in World Map

Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia. So it belongs to the countries in the middle of the continent Asia. Uzbekistan borders clockwise with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. There is no access to a sea, so Uzbekistan is a landlocked country. By the way, Uzbekistan means “land of Uzbeks”. The name comes from Uzbek Khan, a ruler of the Golden Horde in the 14th century. The Golden Horde was a large Mongolian empire in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Uzbekistan has four exclaves that are surrounded by Kyrgyzstan. On Uzbek territory there are again an exclave from Kyrgyzstan and one from Tajikistan. From the Uzbek perspective, they are enclaves. Below is a map with the areas.

Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia. What does the shape of the country remind you of? On the map of Uzbekistan you can also see the neighboring countries.

Location Information of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east and southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the south and southwest. The country has a rich history that stretches back to the time of the ancient Silk Road, acting as a crucial crossroads for trade, culture, and ideas between the East and West. Uzbekistan is one of the most populous countries in Central Asia, with a population of over 34 million people.

Latitude and Longitude

Uzbekistan is located at Latitude 41.3775° N and Longitude 64.5850° E. The country spans a vast area of approximately 447,400 square kilometers (172,742 square miles), making it one of the largest landlocked nations in the world. Its strategic location in Central Asia places it in the midst of significant regional trade routes, influencing its cultural and economic development over centuries.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Tashkent

The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent, located at Latitude 41.2995° N and Longitude 69.2401° E. Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan, with a population of over 2.5 million people. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country and serves as a major transportation hub for Central Asia. Tashkent is known for its wide avenues, modern architecture, and historical landmarks, offering a unique blend of Soviet-era influences and Islamic heritage.

Tashkent has transformed into a cosmopolitan city in recent years, with significant investment in infrastructure, business, and tourism. The city is home to several important landmarks, including the Khast Imam Complex, which houses one of the world’s oldest Qurans, and Amir Timur Square, dedicated to the famous 14th-century conqueror, Tamerlane (Timur).

Major Cities

1. Samarkand Samarkand, located at Latitude 39.6541° N and Longitude 66.9597° E, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. With a history that dates back over 2,500 years, Samarkand was a vital center on the Silk Road and served as the capital of the Timurid Empire under Tamerlane. The city is famous for its stunning Islamic architecture, including the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum. Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a key destination for those interested in Central Asian history and culture.
2. Bukhara Bukhara, located at Latitude 39.7740° N and Longitude 64.4214° E, is another ancient city of Uzbekistan that has played a significant role in trade and culture along the Silk Road. With more than 2,000 years of history, Bukhara boasts impressive Islamic architecture, such as the Bolo Haouz Mosque and the Ark Fortress. The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it remains a vibrant center of Islamic learning and cultural heritage.
3. Khiva Khiva, situated at Latitude 41.3775° N and Longitude 60.3750° E, is a smaller city located in the western part of Uzbekistan, near the border with Turkmenistan. Known for its well-preserved historical center, Khiva is often referred to as an open-air museum. The city is famous for the Itchan Kala, a walled inner city that is home to impressive structures like the Kalta Minor Minaret and Kunya Ark Citadel. Khiva has remained a major cultural and trading center in the region for centuries.
4. Andijan Andijan, located at Latitude 40.7833° N and Longitude 72.3425° E, is one of the largest cities in the Fergana Valley. Andijan has been historically significant as a center of agriculture and commerce. The city is a gateway to the Fergana Valley, which is known for its fertile land and production of cotton, fruits, and vegetables. Although the city is less famous than Tashkent or Samarkand, it plays a key role in the country’s economic activities.

Time Zone

Uzbekistan follows Uzbekistan Time (UZT), which is UTC +5:00. Unlike many of its neighboring countries, Uzbekistan does not observe daylight saving time. This time zone places the country ahead of many European and African nations and aligns it closely with other Central Asian nations such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

Climate

Uzbekistan has a continental climate, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and relatively low rainfall. The country is located in the heart of Central Asia, and its climate is influenced by the surrounding deserts and mountains.

1. Summers in Uzbekistan can be extremely hot, particularly in the southern and central regions, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher. The heat is most intense from June to August, and the cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara can experience intense, dry heat during these months.
2. Winters are cold, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country, with temperatures often falling below 0°C (32°F). The winter season lasts from December to February, with snow common in the mountains and northern plains.
3. Rainfall is generally low throughout the country, particularly in the desert regions. The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during the spring and fall months (April-May and September-November), when the weather is milder and more comfortable for travel.

Economic Status

Uzbekistan’s economy is one of the largest in Central Asia, largely driven by natural resources, agriculture, and services. In recent years, the country has been undergoing significant reforms aimed at diversifying its economy, improving infrastructure, and opening up to foreign investment.

Key Sectors of the Economy

1. Natural Resources Uzbekistan is rich in natural resources, particularly natural gas, gold, and uranium. The country is one of the largest producers of gold in the world and has vast deposits of natural gas, which it exports to neighboring countries like China and Russia. Cotton is another important export commodity, and Uzbekistan is one of the world’s largest producers of this cash crop. The country has significant reserves of coal and oil as well.
2. Agriculture Agriculture is a significant part of Uzbekistan’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. The country produces a wide range of crops, including cotton, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. Cotton remains the most important agricultural export, although the government has made efforts to reduce its dependence on cotton by diversifying its agricultural production. Uzbekistan also has a growing horticulture sector, producing a variety of fruits like grapes, apples, and melons.
3. Industry and Manufacturing Uzbekistan has a developing industrial sector, with manufacturing centered around the production of textiles, chemicals, metallurgy, and machinery. The government has made efforts to modernize its industrial base and attract foreign investment, particularly in the sectors of textile production and electrical goods.
4. Tourism Tourism in Uzbekistan has grown in recent years due to the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient cities, and historical landmarks. The government has invested in the tourism infrastructure, promoting cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva as key destinations on the Silk Road. The development of eco-tourism and cultural tourism is expected to play an increasingly important role in the country’s economy.

Economic Challenges

Uzbekistan faces several economic challenges, including high levels of poverty, underemployment, and inefficiency in certain sectors. Although the country has undergone major economic reforms since the end of the Soviet Union, much of the economy is still dependent on state-owned enterprises. The government is working to improve business conditions, reduce state control, and attract more foreign investment.

Tourist Attractions

Uzbekistan is a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites, particularly due to its role in the Silk Road trade routes. The country is home to a wealth of Islamic architecture, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. Registan Square (Samarkand)

Registan Square is the heart of Samarkand and one of the most iconic sites in Uzbekistan. Surrounded by three majestic madrasahs (Islamic schools), the square is a stunning example of Timurid architecture and is one of the most photographed places in Central Asia.

2. Bukhara Old Town

The old town of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a well-preserved collection of mosques, medressas, and minarets, which have stood for centuries. The Ark Fortress and Bolo Haouz Mosque are highlights of Bukhara’s historical center.

3. Khiva (Itchan Kala)

The walled city of Khiva, particularly the inner city Itchan Kala, is a stunning example of an ancient Central Asian trading town. The city’s minarets, madrasahs, and palaces provide insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

4. Shah-i-Zinda (Samarkand)

The Shah-i-Zinda complex in Samarkand is one of the most important Islamic burial sites in the region. It houses the tombs of many important figures, including the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, Qusam ibn Abbas.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

As of 2021, U.S. citizens can visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa, provided they are traveling for tourism purposes. This visa exemption is part of Uzbekistan’s efforts to increase tourism and improve its international relations. For stays longer than 30 days, or for business purposes, U.S. citizens must apply for a visa through the Uzbek Embassy or consulate.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

• The distance from Tashkent (Uzbekistan’s capital) to New York City is approximately 10,750 kilometers (6,674 miles), with a flight time of around 13-15 hours, depending on the route.
• The distance from Tashkent to Los Angeles is approximately 11,500 kilometers (7,145 miles), with a flight time of around 14-16 hours, depending on layovers.

Uzbekistan Facts

Size	447,400 m²
Residents	33.25 million
Languages	Uzbek and Karakalpak
Capital	Tashkent
Longest river	Amu Darya
Highest mountain	Hazrat Sulton (4,643 m)
Currency	Sum