Uzbekistan

622 CE (Monday): Rise of the Islamic Caliphate, marking the spread of Islam in Central Asia, including in Uzbekistan

1370–1405 (Friday–Friday): Reign of Timur (Tamerlane), who establishes a vast empire with Samarkand as the capital

1500s (Tuesday): Uzbekistan becomes part of the Timurid Empire and later the Shaybanid dynasty

1868 (June 30, Tuesday): Russian Empire annexes most of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan

1917 (October 25, Thursday): Russian Revolution impacts Uzbekistan; the region eventually becomes part of the Soviet Union

1924 (December 27, Saturday): Uzbekistan becomes a Soviet Socialist Republic within the USSR

1991 (August 31, Saturday): Uzbekistan declares independence from the Soviet Union

2005 (May 13, Friday): Andijan massacre, a violent crackdown on protesters by the Uzbek government

2016 (September 2, Friday): Death of President Islam Karimov, leading to a transition of power to Shavkat Mirziyoyev

2020 (July 11, Saturday): Severe floods in several regions of Uzbekistan, particularly affecting the Syr Darya River Basin

2022 (March 3, Thursday): Earthquake with magnitude 5.4 hits Tashkent, causing minor damage and some injuries

2024 (February 15, Thursday): Severe dust storms across the country linked to desertification in the Kyzylkum Desert

Continent: Asia
Location: Central Asia, landlocked, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest
Capital: Tashkent
Language: Uzbek
Currency: Uzbek som (UZS)
Population: ~35 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Uzbekistan Time (UZT)

Borders: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan
Landscape: Arid deserts, vast plains, and mountains in the east
Major Rivers: Amu Darya, Syr Darya
Major Mountains: Tian Shan, Pamirs
Deserts: Kyzylkum Desert
Lakes: Aral Sea (historically), Lake Aydar
Volcanoes: None significant
Highest Point: Khazret Sultan (4,643 m / 15,233 ft)
Lowest Point: Aral Sea Basin (around 0 m / sea level)
Climate: Continental, with hot summers and cold winters, arid in many regions
Geological Features: Dry plateaus, mountain ranges, valleys, and extensive irrigation systems for agriculture

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Uzbek (80%), with minorities of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and others
Religion: Majority Muslim (approximately 90%, predominantly Sunni), with small minorities of Christians and other religious groups
Urban Population: ~50% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Silk Road heritage, Samarkand and Bukhara, traditional music, dance, and cuisine
Cuisine: Plov (pilaf), shashlik, somsa, manti, and green tea
Arts: Persian-influenced art and architecture, including monumental mosques and mausoleums
Sports: Football (soccer), wrestling, boxing, and judo
Popular Festivals: Navruz (Persian New Year), Independence Day (September 1), Silk and Spices Festival

Economy Type: Transitioning economy from state-controlled to market-oriented
GDP: Approx. $90 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Cotton, gold, natural gas, textiles, food processing
Key Exports: Cotton, gold, natural gas, chemicals, machinery
Unemployment Rate: ~8.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Cotton-growing central regions, gas-rich areas in the west, and mineral extraction in the east

Government Type: Unitary presidential republic
Head of State: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Oliy Majlis)
Constitution: In effect since 1992
Political Parties: Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, National Revival Movement, People’s Democratic Party, and others
Important Note: Uzbekistan is undergoing significant reforms, especially in the areas of human rights and economic diversification

Samarkand: Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Bukhara: Ark Fortress, Bolo Haouz Mosque, Samanid Mausoleum
Khiva: Ichan Kala, Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque
Tashkent: Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar, Independence Square
Fergana Valley: Beautiful landscapes and traditional silk production
Aral Sea Basin: A strikingly unique area with environmental challenges
Nuratau Mountains: Nature, hiking, and village tourism