Formal name: The Republic of Uzbekistan.
Area: total 447.400 km2: land: 425.400 km2, water: 22,000 km2
Land boundaries: total: 6.221 km, border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2.203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1.099 km, Tajikistan 1.161 km, Turkmenistan 1.621 km
Population: 29 million (January, 2011)
Density of population: 50.1 per km2
Capital: Tashkent
Language.
Official language - Uzbek, widely used: Russian, Tajik, Karakalpak, also English, which is getting popular among youth generation.
National currency: Sum.
Structure: Sovereign Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 provinces, 226 cities and districts.
Religion: Islam - 88%, Christian - 9% (more about Religions in Uzbekistan)
Time: GMT + 05:00
Electric power: 220 V AC, 50 amp; Standard two-pin plug socket
Domain zone:.uz
International dialing code: +998
The Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the central part of Central Asia between two rivers: the Amudarya and Syrdarya. The Turan Lowland lies to the northwest, and
the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ridges are located in the southeast of the territory. The Kyzyl-Kum Desert defines the Northern part of the country. Uzbekistan
borders Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
Terrain.
Mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat, intensely irrigated river valleys along the course of the Amu Darya, Sirdaryo (Syr Darya), and Zarafshon
rivers; the Fergana Valley in the east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; the shrinking Aral Sea in the west.
Elevation extremes
Lowest point: Sariqamish Lake - 12 m.
Highest point: Adelunga Mountain - 4.301 m.
Climate.
The climate of Uzbekistan is extremely continental with a great number of sunny days. The average monthly temperature in January ranges from -100C to +30C. Summer is
hot and dry. The average monthly temperature in July varies from +350C to +450C. Autumn is relatively warm and is the season when delicious fruits and vegetables are
in abundance in the numerous bazaars (markets). The average annual temperature is 130C.
Tourist seasons
First half of tourist season falls on spring months: March, April, May, and the second half is in August, September and October because of the peculiarity of climate.
There is also tourist activity in winter months for the lovers of mountains and winter ports (ski, snowboard).
Public holidays
January 1 - New Year
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 21 - Navruz (Central Asian New Year)
May 9 - Memorial/Remembrance Day
September 1 - Independence Day
October 1 - Teacher's Day
December 8 - Constitution Day.
Cuisine.
There are over one thousand dishes in Uzbek cuisine. Fruits and vegetables grown under the tender oriental sun taste fantastic. There are about 100 varieties of Uzbek
palov, prepared in a different way in every region. The nutritious content and ecological cleanliness of local ingredients is unique. Uzbek cuisine cannot be
described, it has to be tasted.
Uzbekistan Currency.
The national currency of the Republic of Uzbekistan is “Sum”. Currency exchange offices are available in every city of Uzbekistan. In main offices of banks all foreign
currencies may be converted. Preferred currencies are US dollars and Euros.
Clothing.
Very light and loose clothing usually from cotton or natural fibers is recommended for daytime use, with a light jumper and/or casual jacket for the cooler evenings.
You may be required to remove your shoes upon entry to some religious sites. There are no special clothing requirements for visiting Islamic religious sites, except
that you should take care to cover most parts of your body including your arms and legs.
Above all travelers are encouraged to dress for comfort rather than fashion. Valuable jewelry and any clothing requiring special attention should be left at home. Your
clothing should offer as much protection as possible due to the very high danger of sunburn.
A hat with good shade protection and sunglasses are essential.
In some areas the average visitor may appear extremely wealthy to local people. A lavish display of jewelry, bulging handbags and wallets, and a neck full of cameras
will make you stand out in a crowd. Be discreet and respectful of the local culture and traditions and carry a minimum of valuables.
