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Uzbekistan in Central Asia Uzbekistan is a new independent state in Central Asia. After the collapse of the USSR Uzbekistan chose peace-loving democratic policy and launched the reforms to develop market economy and enter international economic society as a full member.
Formal name: The Republic of Uzbekistan
Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 64 00 E
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: 24 million
Density of population: 50.1 per one km2
Capital: Tashkent
Language Uzbekistan is multination country. Uzbek is the state language, Russian is the language of international communication
Structure: Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 regions, 226 cities and districts.
Religion: Islam
Time: GMT + 05:00
Electric power: 220 V AC, 50 amp; standard two-pin plug socket
Domain zone: .uz
International dialing code: +998
Location of Uzbekistan
The Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the central part of Central Asia between two rivers: Amudarya and Syrdarya. There are Turan Lowland in the northwest, and Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ridges in the southeast of the territory. Kyzyl-Kum Desert is in the North. Uzbekistan borders Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tadjikistan, and Afghanistan in the South.
Terrain
Mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Sirdaryo (Syr Darya), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west.
Elevation extremes
lowest point: Sariqarnish Kuli - 12 m
highest point: Adelunga Toghi - 4.301 m.
Climate
The climate of Uzbekistan is extremely continental with a great number of sunny days. Average monthly temperature in January is from 10 to +3 0C. Summer is hot and dry. Average monthly temperature in July is from +35 to +45 0C. Autumn is warm enough and is the season when delicious fruits and vegetables are in abundance in numerous bazaars (markets). Average annual temperature is 13 0C.
Public holidays
January 1 - New Year
March 8 - Women's Day
March 21 - Navruz (Islamic New Year)
May 1 - Labor Day
May 9 - Memorial Day
September 1 - Independence Day
October 1 - Teacher's Day
December 8 - Constitution Day.
There are other religious holidays with varying dates:
Ramadan Khait
Kurban Khait
Cuisine
There are over one thousand dishes in Uzbek cuisine. Fruits and vegetables grown under the tender oriental sun are terrific in taste. There are about 500 varieties of Uzbek plov only cooked in its own way in every region. Calorie content and ecological cleanness of local ingredients is unique, Uzbek cuisine can not be described, it should be tasted.
Currency Uzbekistan
All payments must be done in sum, the national currency of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Currency exchange offices are available in every city of Uzbekistan.
Clothing
Very light and loose clothing (preferably cotton or natural fibres) is recommended for daytime use, with a light jumper and/or casual jacket for the cooler evenings. Because of a large amount of sightseeing on foot in dry, dusty and sometimes rough areas (i.e. dirt, cobblestones, etc.), comfortable, solid walking shoes with strong soles and support are essential You may be required to remove your shoes on 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 arms and legs.
Above all travellers are encouraged to dress for comfort rather than fashion. Valuable jewellery and any clothing requiring special attention should be left at home.
Due to very high danger of sunburn, your clothing should offer as much protection as possible.
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 jewellery, bulging handbags and wallets and a neck full of cameras will make you stand out in a crowd. Be discreet, respectful of local culture and traditions and carry the minimum of valuables.
Health
You will be travelling in areas, which are largely free of major infection diseases, so there are no official vaccination requirements for foreign visitors. However we strongly recommend you to consult your physician of the Vaccination Centre for current health warnings and recommended vaccination.
As it is practically inevitable in the areas where water is high in mineral and metallic salts (as in the case with Central Asia) one should be prepared for minor gastric complaints. Consult your physician or pharmacist for recommended remedies.
Throughout the areas you will be travelling, one of the main health warnings is dehydration. At all times maintain a steady intake of non-alcoholic liquids.
Sunburn is another major problem. Bring adequate suntan lotion and a wide brimmed hat.
If desired, you may also bring a supply of vitamins, throat lozenges, a throat gargle to prevent basic infections, cold/flu tablets, aspirins, Band-Aids, antiseptics and antibacterial cream. Please, advise us if you have any allergies or particular medical aliments which may require special attention during the trip, if your doctor has prescribed any medication, make sure that you have sufficient supplies to last the duration of your holiday.
Important: Please, ensure that you carry in your hand luggage any medicine you may require in case your suitcase is separated from you.
Security
Individual safety boxes are not always available in Uzbekistan hotels. An essential part of your luggage is a comfortable money wallet, which may be worn under your clothing. At all times you should carry your main documents (i.e. currency, travellers cheques, air tickets, passports, visas etc.) While it is highly unlikely you will encounter any physical danger, minor thefts in crowded pubic places may occur and every precaution should be taken to avoid loosing anything of value.
In accordance with local laws, you will be required to hand in your passport to the hotel reception on arrival to allow registration of your passport details by the hotel. Your passport will normally be available again after a few hours. Do not forget to collect it before departure.
Photography in Uzbekistan
No difficulty is put in the way of visitors who wish to photograph places of historic interest.
Photography inside some religious monuments and in airports, railway stations or near military installation may not be allowed. If in doubt ask your local guide. Please also note that there is a fee for photography in most sightseeing places (not included in your tour price).
Films and batteries are available in major cities, but you are recommended to purchase your supply before arrival, particularly if you have the latest modification or a sophisticated type of camera that requires a specific film and/or batteries.
Drinks
Local mineral water contains a higher level of minerals than western spring or bottled water and the taste can be rather "salty" (these mineral waters are considered healthier than European spring or mineral waters).
Imported spirits and wines are available, however in some places the provenance of some spirits and wines is questionable and the prices inflated. Accordingly, you are recommended to purchase you favourite alcohol duty free prior to arrival.
Incidentals
You will be responsible for covering the cost of your hotel incidentals such as phone calls, room service, mini-bar in your room and laundry. Before departing from all the hotels on the tour, please ensure that you have checked with the front desk for any personal charges that the hotel may have made to your room.
Tipping
Passengers may wish to express their appreciation - reward for extra service to the porters, waiters, drivers and guides. The degree of appreciation may vary, and our policy is to let you decide this. This is usually given individually in an envelope at the end of the tour/service.
Natural resources
gas, gold, silver, and coal
steel
petroleum
iron
lead
zinc
uranium
wolfram and other rare metals
kaolin
quartz-glass and quartz sand
bauxite
phosphor
marble and granite
cooking salt
mineral waters
Agriculture
cotton
grain
vegetable
melon
fruit
silk production
sheep and cattle farming
poultry farming
astrakhan fur
Main industries:
The Engineering industry, chemical and petrochemical, metallurgy, radios and electronic industry, light industry has been given wide scope of development.
agricultural machines
aircraft manufacturing
automobile industry
building materials
communication
cotton and silk textiles
electric power
fuel
gas
food industry
mining
roads and airports
Sports in Uzbekistan
Many new states provided stadiums, sports, complexes, pools, sports clubs as well as private fitness clubs cater to a great demand for physical exercise. "Sportsman" is a widely used term. Uzbekistan has produced Olympic champions in kickboxing, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics, chess, who brought home medals from Atlanta, Sydney, and Lillehammer.
Dilshod Aripov - world champion wrestling
Mahamadkodir Abdullaev, Sergey Mikhailov, Rustam Saidov, Ruslan Chagaev, Artur Grigoryan Olympic and World champions in boxing
Iroda Tuliaganova - WTA tennis champion
Oksana Chusovitina - world champion gymnastics
The President's Cup, the international tennis tournament, draws WTC star players
Tashkent golf club, the only 18-hole venue in Central Asia, complete with guest rooms, will host international tournaments
Transport in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Airways airbus fleet over 20 worldwide destinations international airports:
Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgench domestic airports: Bukhara, Qarshi, Termez, Navoi, Zarafshan, Nukus, Fergana, and Namangan. Railway 7000 km, bus and minibus service, tramways, taxi service in every city private "Nexia" sedan drivers.
See also:
Uzbekistan map
the Great Silk Road map Central Asia map
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