Uzbekistan Edited by: Mukhammadzhonov Farrux

Where is Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan – General Information Area: 447,001 km 2 (172,588 mi 2 ) or 2.5 size of Florida Population: 31 million (July 2015 est.) Ethnic Groups: Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 estimates) Independence in August 1991 from former USSR Capital: Tashkent (population 4 million) Religion: Muslim, Eastern Orthodox

Tashkent is a capital of Uzbekistan

Geography & Administration Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. The nation is divided into 12 vilayats (governmental regions) plus one autonomous republic: Karakalpakstan (the Aral Sea region). The country can be divided into three zones: Desert (Kyzylkum), steppe and semi-arid region covering 60% of the country, mainly the central and western parts; Fertile Valleys (including the Fergana valley) that skirt the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers; Mountainous Areas in the east with peaks of about 4500 m(14765 ft) above sea level (Tien Shan and Gissaro-Alay mountain ranges).

Climate Temperature is continental, dry and hot : Summer ºF in the plains ºF in the mountainous zone Winter 12 ºF in the north ºF in the south Rainfall: Annual 10 inches 4 inches in the northwest 17 inches in the mountainous zone, middle and southern Rainfall occurs during the winter season, mainly between October and April.

Uzbekistan – Central Asia Region

Early History Cities such as Bukhoro (Bukhara) and Samarqand (Samarkand) began to appear as centers of government and culture. By the fifth century B.C., the Bactrian, Soghdian, and Tokharian states dominated the region. As China began to develop its silk trade with the West, Iranian cities took advantage of this commerce by becoming centers of trade. Using an extensive network of cities and settlements in the province of Mawarannahr (a name given the region after the Arab conquest) in Uzbekistan and farther east in what is today China's Xinjiang Uygur Auton- omous Region, the Soghdian intermediaries became the wealthiest of these Iranian merchants. Because of this trade on what became known as the Silk Route, Bukhoro and Samarqand eventually became extremely wealthy cities, and at times Mawarannahr was one of the most influential and powerful Persian provinces of antiquity.

Sport Kurash - the traditional upright jacket wrestling which originated in Uzbekistan more than 3500 years ago. The original translation of the word "Kurash" from the Uzbek language is grappling or wrestling. Kurash as a type of martial art or public sport entertainment is mentioned in many ancient oriental historical sources. The great oriental scientist and philosopher Avetsena writes that practicing Kurash is one the best ways to keep the human body and mind healthy and sound. Still there is no exact information when, where and by whom Kurash was first practiced. Kurash is one of the most ancient forms of martial arts people had ever practiced.

Customs and traditions People from Uzbekistan can be chiefly described as hospitable - Uzbek hospitality is something to be experienced. You will certainty find yourself as a guest in an Uzbek house. There is a short information about Uzbek national dish –Pilav. Pilav is the most popular dish in Uzbekistan. You will almost always be served pilav as a guest. This dish basically consists of cooked meat, rice, onion,garlic and spices. During the autumn hunting season, gourmets would use quail, pheasant, wild goose, wild pigeon's as a substitute for mutton. This, however, is not very common.

Welcome to Uzbekistan!