Territory 447,400 sq. km

The nature of the country is characterized by contrasts – monotonous deserts and snow-covered mountain ranges, numerous rivers and arid dry regions. Mountains and foothills occupy about one-fifth of the country’s territory. The highest mountain peak is 4,643 m, and the lowest point of the republic – the bottom of the Mynbulak depression – is 12 m below sea level. The largest rivers crossing Uzbekistan are the Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Among the lakes, the Aral Sea and Aydarkul should be highlighted; there are also many artificial lakes such as Kayrakkum and Chardara. The country is also rich in healing mineral waters. The complex relief determines the diversity of flora and fauna, 20% of which are endemic species. There are 10 nature reserves in the country.

Climate is sharply continental, characterized by a large number of sunny days and dry air. The difference between day and night temperatures is significant; winter frosts in rare years reach -20°C, while in summer the temperature can rise to +45°C. The hottest period of the year – saraton or chilla – lasts 40 days and begins on June 25.

People. The population exceeds 27 million, making it the most densely populated country in Central Asia (60%). The indigenous population is Uzbek. Anthropologically, Uzbeks are of mixed origin, predominantly Caucasoid with a smaller Mongoloid component. Besides Uzbeks, Karakalpaks, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Turkmens, Tatars, Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Greeks, Germans, and people from the Caucasus live here. Uzbek hospitality is widely known. When greeting or seeing off a guest, the host lightly places the right hand on the chest, expressing sincerity. Guests are always asked about their health, work, and family. When invited into a home, the first thing offered is a bowl of fragrant hot tea. Preparing tea is traditionally a man’s responsibility. The less tea in the bowl, the greater the respect shown to the guest. The more often the guest extends an empty bowl for tea, the more respect is shown to the host in return. These and many other traditions are reflected in folk culture. Cuisine, clothing elements, dialects, songs, and dances vary significantly across regions.

Religion. For thousands of years, Central Asia has been a place of interaction and coexistence of different religions. The dominant religion in Uzbekistan is Islam. At the end of the 19th century, Orthodoxy also came to the region. Catholic churches and Jewish synagogues also function in the country.

National Holidays. New Year – January 1, Kurban Bayram – February 2 (date changes annually according to the lunar calendar), Women’s Day – March 8, Navruz (spring festival) – March 21, Day of Memory and Honor – May 9, Independence Day – September 1, Teacher’s Day – October 1, and Constitution Day – December 8.

Currency. The national currency is the Uzbek Soum. Coins in circulation are 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 soum, and banknotes are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, and 200,000 soum. US dollars, euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen can be exchanged at banks and hotels. International and local credit cards are widely accepted.

Shopping. Shops, bazaars, boutiques, and shopping centers offer a wide range of traditional crafts. These include ceramics, brightly colored silk fabrics, suzani embroidery, lacquered boxes, steel изделия, elegant vests, light jackets, and shawls created by local мастера following modern fashion trends. Bargaining is an essential part of shopping in Central Asia. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – locals usually bargain. Bargain politely and with a smile, and you may reduce the price by half.