Uzbekistan is a landlocked nation located in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Turkmenistan to the southwest, Tajikistan to the southeast, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, and Afghanistan to the south. With an area of approximately 448,978 square kilometers and a population of over 34 million people, Uzbekistan is the sixth-largest country in the region by land area and the third most populous.
The country's name, "Uzbekistan," derives from the ethnic group predominant in the region known as the Uzbeks. The official language spoken is Uzbek, which is a Turkic language that shares similarities with Turkmen, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz.
Uzbekistan has a diverse geography that encompasses vast deserts, such as the Kyzylkum Desert, fertile valleys along the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, and picturesque mountain ranges, including the Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains.
The nation has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with numerous sites of archaeological and historical importance. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva showcase remarkable architecture characterized by intricate tilework, domes, and minarets, reflecting the influence of various empires that ruled the region over the centuries, including the Persian, Islamic, and Russian Empires.
Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and since then has pursued policies focused on economic development and cultural preservation. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, natural resources, and industries such as textiles, mining, and energy.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan has been actively promoting tourism in recent years, highlighting its cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and the warm hospitality of its people.
