Welcome to Uzbekistan!
General information about Uzbekistan
Country name: the Republic of Uzbekistan
The Republic of Uzbekistan one of the largest country in the region, which has a special geographical and geopolitical position in Central Asia with abundance of natural and human resources.
Uzbekistan consists of 12 provinces and the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan.
Independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan was proclaimed in August 31, 1991.
Geography
Location: Central Asia , south of Kazakhstan and north- east of Turkmenistan.
Territory:
Total – 447 400 km2;
Land – 425 400 km2;
Water – 22 000 km2;
Landscape. Most of the territory of Uzbekistan is occupied by plains (about four fifth of its territory). One of the main – plain is Turanianlowland. To the east and north- east of the country there are ranges of the Tien Shan and Pamir, here – the highest point of the country ( 4643 m). In the north central part of the territory of Uzbekistan is one of the largest deserts in the world – the Kyzyl Kum.
Climate. Majorly sharp- continental. The temperature difference between the seasons is quite significant. Average winter temperature is 6 C below and in July the average temperature rises above 32 C. The amount of precipitation is insignificant, which makes agriculture dependent on irrigation.
Natural features
Uzbekistan`s nature features by a combination of subtropical and continental temperature zones.
The earth, the air, water and fire ( the sun ) have been warshiped in Central Asia since the times of Zoroastrianism urging people in to care about the cleanliness of rivers and the soil.
Population and labor resources
The population of Uzbekistan is more than 30 million people.
In terms of population Uzbekistan holdes the third place among the CIS countries and 1st among the States of the Central Asia.
Almost 80 % of its population is the Uzbeks . Uzbekistan multiethnic country – it is home to over 100 nationalities where the Russian consist of 5.5 %, Tajiks 5 %, Kazakhs 3%, Karakalpaks 2.5 %, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5 %. Religious denominations are Muslim 88 % (mostly Sunnis ), Christian Orthodox 9 % and others 3% ( Judaists, Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants etc.)
Uzbekistan, like other Central Asian states, is featured by a relatively ” young” population and a high proportion of people of working age. The share of those below working age in the general population is 39%, of working age – 54 %, of retireds – 7%.
National currency
Sum is the National currency of Uzbekistan.
1 Sum = 100 tiyins (small coin). Notes are in denominations of 5000 , 1000, 500, 200, 100 sum.
Public Holidays
New Year – January 1
International Women’s Day – March 8
Celebration of Navruz – March 21
Memorial Day – May 9
Independence Day – September 1
Teacher’s day – October 1
Constitution Day – December 8
Eid – al- Fitr ( religious festival ) – date varies
Eid al- Adha ( religious festival ) – date varies