Country name:	Conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan Conventional short form: Uzbekistan
Capital:	Tashkent
Official language:	Uzbek
Administrative:	12 Provinces (Viloyatlar) 1 City (Shahar) 1 Autonomous Republic (Respublika)
Area:	447,400 km2
Population:	28,639 million (as on 2011)
Time zone:	UTC+5
Currency:	Uzbek Sum (UZS)
Drives on the:	Right
Internet domain code:	.uz
Calling code:	+998
Independence:	1 September 1991
Natural resources:	Natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, molybdenum
Religion:	Islam- 96.3%

The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in the center of Central Asia. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north-east, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east and south-east, Turkmenistan to the west and Afghanistan to the south. The territory of the Republic stretches 1425 km from west to east and 930 km from north to south.

Uzbekistan includes 12 provinces-Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khorezm, Navai, Kashkadarya, Surhandarya, Jizzakh, Syrdarya, Fergana, Andijan and Namangan, 1 city-Tashkent and 1 autonomous republic-Republic of Karakalpakstan.

Before becoming independent country, Uzbekistan was the part of the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the USSR, Uzbekistan chose democratic policy and launched reforms to develop a market economy and enter international economic society as a full member. The country declared its independence on August 31, 1991 and the1st September was announced Independence Day. On December 8, 1992 Uzbekistan adopted its Constitution. On March 2, 1992 Uzbekistan became full member of UNO.

Uzbekistan is multinational country. There are representatives of 130 nations. Uzbeks are 78.8 %, tajiks - 4.9%, russians - 4.3%, kazakhs - 3.9%, karakalpaks - 2.2%, kyrgyzs - 0.9%.

The native language of Republic of Uzbekistan is Uzbek. On October 21, 1989 Uzbek language was announced Native language.

The main religion on the territory of Uzbekistan is Muslim (Sunni). Islam entered Uzbekistan in the 8th century A.C. with Arab Invasion. Till the 8th century the main religion was Zoroastrian religion. During Kushan Dynasty Buddhism entered Central Asia. There were found many Buddhism temples in southern part of Uzbekistan. The other religions in the territory of Uzbekistan are Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism.

Uzbekistan has abundance of natural resources and huge potential possibilities. More than a hundred types of minerals have been discovered in Uzbekistan. By its reserves of copper, silver, gold, lead, zinc, tungsten, natural gas and other minerals, Uzbekistan takes one of the leading positions in the world. The Republic of Uzbekistan has plenty of fuel and power resources such as gas, coal and oil.

The leading branch of agriculture is cotton-growing. Being the most northern cotton-growing region in the world, Uzbekistan takes the leading place in production and exporting cotton. Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia which produces the technologies of sericulture. A lot of solar energy during a year and high summer temperature make it possible to cultivate heat-loving crops as grapes, figs and others.

Uzbekistan is not only agrarian country but also industrial. There are enterprises of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. Chemical industry produces mineral fertilizers, superphosphate, chemical fibers, plastic, varnish, latex paints and other products. Mechanical engineering produces tractors, cotton-picking combines, spinning looms, aircrafts, cable, transformers, equipment for light and food industries, refrigerators, locomotives, elevator, excavator, compressors, pump, household appliances and others.

Having perfect location, Uzbekistan was the crossroad country of many ancient routes. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other cities of Uzbekistan are known all over the world. These wonderful places attract travelers of present day with their grandiose buildings, tasty food and friendly people. Uzbekistan is the best place to travel.