Uzbekistan was historically home to Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara and was part of empires such as the Persian, Mongol, and Timurid Empires. It was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the 19th century and later became part of the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991 and has since transitioned from a Soviet-style economy to gradual economic reforms while maintaining strong centralized governance.
Uzbekistan, officially the Republic of Uzbekistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the northwest and north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Covering an area of approximately 447,400 square kilometers, it has a population of about 35 million people as of 2023. The capital and largest city is Tashkent. The official language is Uzbek. Uzbekistan operates as a unitary presidential republic. The economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and services. Uzbekistan is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical cities along the Silk Road, and architectural landmarks. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
