Uzbekistan

Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 27,780,059 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Uzbekistani

Nationality (Adjective): Uzbekistani

Official Language(s): Uzbek

Major Languages Spoken: Kirghiz, Russian, Uzbek

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Uzbekistan

Country Name (short form): Uzbekistan

Country Name (local long form): Ozbekiston Respublikasi

Country Name (local short form): Ozbekiston

Name of Capital: Tashkent (Toshkent)

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Uzbekistan: Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan

Land Area: 425400 sq km

Water Area: 22000 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than California

Total Land Boundry: 6,221 km

Coastline: 0 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

International Phone Code: 998

Currency Code: Uzbekistani soum (UZS)

Internet Country Code: .uz

US Embassy Location: 3 Moyqo'rq'on, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent 100093

US Embassy Mailing Address: use embassy street address