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Uzbekistan

✨ The treasures of the Silk Road

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north and west, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. It covers about 448,900 square kilometres and is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, meaning that all its neighbouring countries are themselves landlocked. Most of the territory consists of dry plains and deserts, including the Kyzylkum Desert, while mountains rise mainly in the east and northeast.

The Amu Darya and Syr Darya are the country's principal rivers and have long supported agriculture and human settlements. Uzbekistan also includes part of the Aral Sea region, where extensive water diversion for irrigation caused a dramatic decline in the sea during the twentieth century. Tashkent is the capital and largest city. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are other important historic cities that flourished along the ancient Silk Roads linking China, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Uzbekistan has a strongly continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Rainfall is generally limited, particularly in desert and lowland areas, so agriculture depends heavily on irrigation. Cotton, wheat, fruits and vegetables are among the important agricultural products, while natural gas, gold, copper and uranium are significant mineral resources. The country's landscapes range from deserts and semi-deserts to river valleys, foothills and high mountain areas.

These environments support species adapted to dry conditions, including goitered gazelles, foxes and numerous bird species. Uzbekistan became independent in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Uzbek is the official language, while Russian remains widely understood and is used in some contexts. Today, the country is an important population and economic centre in Central Asia, and its geographic position connects it with neighbouring states and wider regional trade routes.

💡 Did you know?

Did you know that in Uzbekistan, the city of Samarkand is nicknamed the 'Face of the Earth'? It is as old as Rome or Babylon! In the center is the Registan, a huge square surrounded by three magnificent ancient schools (madrasas). Their facades are entirely covered with blue mosaics that form geometric patterns and complex drawings. It is said that even the most formidable conquerors, like Genghis Khan, were impressed by the beauty of the city.

In Uzbekistan, bread is sacred. It is called 'Non' and has a round shape, like a sun, with patterns stamped in the center using a wooden punch. Bread is never placed upside down on the table and is never thrown away. To share it, it is not cut with a knife; it is gently broken by hand. It is even said that if you go on a trip, you must take a small bite of bread and keep the rest at home: this guarantees that you will return safe and sound to finish your piece!

Uzbekistan is one of only two countries in the world that is 'doubly landlocked.' This means that the country has no access to the sea, and ALL of its neighboring countries have no access to the sea either! To reach the ocean from Tashkent, the capital, you must therefore cross at least two borders. The other country in this situation is Liechtenstein, in Europe. This is why Uzbekistan has incredible desert and steppe landscapes.