Uzbekistan 31853 225323305 2008-07-13T02:29:48Z Zlerman 5449888 /* Demographics */ making consistent with main article [[Demographics of Uzbekistan]] {{Infobox Country |native_name = ''O‘zbekiston Respublikasi'' |conventional_long_name = Republic of Uzbekistan |common_name = Uzbekistan |image_flag = Flag of Uzbekistan.svg |image_coat = Coat of Arms of Uzbekistan.svg |image_map = LocationUzbekistan.PNG |national_anthem = [[National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan]] |official_languages = [[Uzbek language|Uzbek]] |capital = [[Tashkent]] |latd=41 |latm=16 |latNS=N |longd=69 |longm=13 |longEW=E |largest_city = Tashkent |demonym = [[Uzbekistani]].<ref name=cia1>[[CIA World Factbook]], [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html#People Uzbekistan]</ref> sometimes [[Uzbek]] or [[Uzbeki]] |government_type = [[Presidential republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of Uzbekistan|President]] |leader_name1 = [[Islom Karimov]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Uzbekistan|Prime Minister]] |leader_name2 = [[Shavkat Mirziyoyev]] |sovereignty_type = [[History of Uzbekistan|Independence]] |sovereignty_note = from the [[Soviet Union]] |established_event1 = Formation |established_date1 = 1747{{smallsup|1}} |established_event2 = Declared |established_date2 = [[September 1]] [[1991]] |established_event3 = Recognized |established_date3 = [[December 8]] [[1991]] |established_event4 = Completed |established_date4 = [[December 25]] [[1991]] |area_rank = 56th |area_magnitude = 1 E11 |area_km2 = 447,400 |area_sq_mi = 172,742 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = 4.9 |population_estimate = 27,372,000 |population_estimate_rank = 44th |population_estimate_year = 2007 |population_census = |population_census_year = |population_density_km2 = 59 |population_density_sq_mi = 153 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 136th |GDP_PPP = $64.149 billion <!--IMF--> |GDP_PPP_rank = 73th |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $2,283 |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 145th |HDI = {{increase}} 0.702 |HDI_rank = 113th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font> |FSI = 93.5 {{decrease}} 0.9 |FSI_year = 2007 |FSI_rank = 22nd |FSI_category = <font color="#FF0000">Alert</font> |Gini = 26.8 |Gini_year = 2000 |Gini_category = <font color="#009900">low</font> |currency = [[Uzbekistani som|Uzbekistan som (O'zbekiston so'mi)]] |currency_code = UZS |country_code = UZB |Main Religion = [[Islam]] |time_zone = [[Uzbekistan Time|UZT]] |utc_offset = +5 |time_zone_DST = not observed |utc_offset_DST = +5 |cctld = [[.uz]] |calling_code = 998 |footnote1 = As [[Emirate of Bukhara|Bukharian Emirate]], [[Khanate of Kokand|Kokand Khanate]], [[Khwarezm]]. }} '''Uzbekistan''', officially the '''Republic of Uzbekistan''' ([[Uzbek language|Uzbek]]: ''O‘zbekiston Respublikasi'' or Ўзбекистон Республикаси), is a [[Landlocked country#Doubly landlocked|doubly landlocked]] country in [[Central Asia]], formerly part of the [[Soviet Union]]. It shares borders with [[Kazakhstan]] to the west and to the north, [[Kyrgyzstan]] and [[Tajikistan]] to the east, and [[Afghanistan]] and [[Turkmenistan]] to the south. Once part of the [[Persianate society|Persianized]] [[Samanid dynasty|Samanid]] and later [[Timurid Empire|Timurid]] empires, the region was conquered in the early 16th century by [[Uzbeks|Uzbek nomads]], who spoke an Eastern Turkic language. Most of Uzbekistan’s population today belong to the [[Uzbek people|Uzbek ethnic group]] and speak the [[Uzbek language]], one of the family of [[Turkic languages]]. Uzbekistan was incorporated into the [[Russian Empire]] in the 19th century and in 1924 became a constituent republic of the [[Soviet Union]], known as the [[Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic]] ([[Uzbek SSR]]). It is an independent republic since December 1991. Uzbekistan's economy relies mainly on commodity production, including cotton, gold, uranium, and natural gas. Despite the declared objective of [[transition economy|transition]] to a [[market economy]], Uzbekistan continues to maintain rigid economic controls, which often repel foreign investors. The policy of gradual, strictly controlled transition has nevertheless produced beneficial results in the form of economic recovery after 1995. Uzbekistan's domestic policies of human rights and individual freedoms are often criticized by international organizations. ==History== {{main|History of Uzbekistan}} The '''territory''' of Uzbekistan was already populated in the second millennium [[Anno Domini|BC]]. Early human tools and monuments have been found in the [[Ferghana]], [[Tashkent]], [[Bukhara]], [[Khorezm]] (Khwarezm, Chorasmia) and [[Samarkand]] regions. [[Alexander the Great]] conquered [[Sogdiana]] and [[Bactria]] in 327 BC, marrying [[Roxana]], daughter of a local Bactrian chieftain. The conquest was supposedly of little help to Alexander as popular resistance was fierce, causing Alexander's army to be bogged down in the region. For many centuries the region of Uzbekistan was ruled by Iranian Empires, including the [[Parthian]] and [[Sassanid]] Empires. In the fourteenth century&nbsp;AD, [[Timur]], known in the west as Tamerlane, overpowered the [[Mongols]] and built an empire. In his military campaigns, Tamerlane reached as far as the Middle East. He defeated [[Ottoman Sultan]] [[Bayezid I]], who was captured, and died in captivity. Tamerlane sought to build a capital for his empire in Samarkand. Today Tamerlane is considered to be one of the greatest heroes in Uzbekistan. He plays a significant role in its national identity and history. Following the fall of the [[Timurids|Timurid Empire]], [[Uzbek people|Uzbek nomads]] conquered the region. In the [[19th century|nineteenth century]], the [[Russian Empire]] began to expand, and spread into [[Central Asia]]. The "[[Great Game]]" period is generally regarded as running from approximately 1813 to the [[Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907]]. Following the [[October Revolution|Bolshevik Revolution]] of 1917 a second less intensive phase followed. At the start of the 19th century, there were some 2,000 miles (3,200&nbsp;km) separating [[British India]] and the outlying regions of [[Imperial Russia|Tsarist Russia]]. Much of the land in between was unmapped. [[Image:Registan - Samarkand - 15-10-2005.jpg|thumb|left|Registan complex in Samarkand, Timur's capital]] By the beginning of the [[20th century|twentieth century]], Central Asia was firmly in the hands of Russia and despite some early resistance to [[Bolsheviks]], Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia became a part of the [[Soviet Union]]. On [[27 October]], [[1924]] the [[Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic]] was created. On [[August 31]] [[1991]], Uzbekistan declared independence, marking [[September 1]] as a national holiday. The country is now the world's second-largest exporter of [[cotton]] – while developing its [[mineral]] and [[petroleum]] reserves. == Politics == {{main|Politics of Uzbekistan}} [[Image:Islam karimov cropped.jpg|thumb|150px|[[Islom Karimov]] - President of Uzbekistan]] Constitutionally, the Government of Uzbekistan provides for democracy. In reality, the [[executive (government)|executive]] holds a great deal of power and the legislature and judiciary has little power to shape laws. Under terms of a December 27,1995 referendum, [[Islom Karimov]]'s first term was extended. Another national referendum was held [[January 27]], [[2002]] to extend Contitutional Presidential term from 5 years to 7 years. The referendum passed and Karimov's term was extended by act of the parliament to December 2007. Most international observers refused to participate in the process and did not recognize the results, dismissing them as not meeting basic standards. The 2002 referendum also included a plan to create a bicameral parliament, consisting of a lower house (the Oliy Majlis) and an upper house (Senate). Members of the lower house are to be "full time" legislators. Elections for the new bicameral parliament took place on [[December 26]], but no truly independent opposition candidates or parties were able to take part. The [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] limited observation mission concluded that the elections fell significantly short of OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. Several political parties have been formed with government approval. Similarly, although multiple media outlets (radio, TV, newspaper) have been established, these either remain under government control or rarely broach political topics. Independent political parties were allowed to organize, recruit members, and hold conventions and press conferences, but have been denied registration under restrictive registration procedures. Terrorist bombings were carried out [[March 28]]–[[April 1]], [[2004]] in [[Tashkent]] and [[Bukhara]]. ==Human rights == {{main|Human rights in Uzbekistan}} The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan asserts that "democracy in the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be based upon common human principles, according to which the highest value shall be the human being, his life, freedom, honor, dignity and other inalienable rights." However, [[non-governmental organization|non-government]] human rights watchdogs, such as [[International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights|IHF]], [[Human Rights Watch]], [[Amnesty International]], as well as [[United States Department of State]] and [[Council of the European Union]] define Uzbekistan as "an authoritarian state with limited civil rights"<ref>US Department of State, [http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41717.htm 2004 Country report on Human Rights Practices in Uzbekistan], released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, February 28, 2005</ref> and express profound concern about "wide-scale violation of virtually all basic human rights".<ref>[[International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights|IHF]], [http://www.ihf-hr.org/documents/doc_summary.php?sec_id=3&d_id=3860 Human Rights in OSCE Region: Europe, Central Asia and North America - Uzbekistan, Report 2004 (events of 2003)], 2004-06-23</ref> According to the reports, the most widespread violations are torture, arbitrary arrests, and various restrictions of freedoms: of religion, of speech and press, of free association and assembly.<ref>[[OMCT]] and [[Legal Aid Society]], [http://www.omct.org/pdf/omct_europe/2005/omct-las_uzb_report_04_05.pdf DENIAL OF JUSTICE IN UZBEKISTAN - an assessment of the human rights situation and national system of protection of fundamental rights], April 2005.</ref> The reports maintain that the violations are most often committed against members of religious organizations, independent journalists, human rights activists, and political activists, including members of the banned opposition parties. In 2005, Uzbekistan was included into [[Freedom House]]'s "The Worst of the Worst: The World's Most Repressive Societies". The official position is summarized in a memorandum "The measures taken by the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of providing and encouraging human rights"<ref>Embassy of Uzbekistan to the US, [http://www.uzbekistan.org/press/archive/283/ Press-Release: THE MEASURES, TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN IN THE FIELD OF PROVIDING AND ENCOURAGING HUMAN RIGHTS], October 24, 2005</ref> and amounts to the following: the government does everything that is in its power to protect and to guarantee the human rights of Uzbekistan's citizens. Uzbekistan continuously improves its laws and institutions in order to create a more humane society. Over 300 laws regulating the rights and basic freedoms of the people have been passed by the parliament. For instance, an office of [[Ombudsman]] was established in 1996.<ref> UZBEKISTAN DAILY DIGEST, [http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/hypermail/200304/0029.shtml UZBEKISTAN'S OMBUDSMAN REPORTS ON 2002 RESULTS], December 25, 2007</ref> On [[August 2]], [[2005]], President Islom Karimov signed a decree that was to abolish capital punishment in Uzbekistan on [[January 1]], [[2008]]. The [[2005 civil unrest in Uzbekistan]], which resulted in several hundred people being killed is viewed by many as a landmark event in the history of human rights abuse in Uzbekistan,<ref>http://usinfo.state.gov/eur/Archive/2005/Sep/26-966275.html</ref><ref>[http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/06/53b15c1e-995c-4339-819c-8090fbc94736.html Uzbekistan: Report Cites Evidence Of Government 'Massacre' In Andijon - RADIO FREE EUROPE / RADIO LIBERTY<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGEUR620152005?open&of=ENG-UZB Uzbekistan: Independent international investigation needed into Andizhan events | Amnesty International<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> A concern has been expressed and a request for an independent investigation of the events has been made by the United States, European Union, the [[UN]], the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. The government of Uzbekistan is accused of unlawful termination of human life, denying its citizens freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. The government vehemently rebuffs the accusations, maintaining that it merely conducted an anti-terrorist operation, exercising only necessary force.<ref>[http://www.press-service.uz/en/gsection.scm?groupId=5203&contentId=8868 Press-service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan:<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In addition, some officials claim that "an information war on Uzbekistan has been declared" and the human rights violations in Andijan are invented by the enemies of Uzbekistan as a convenient pretext for intervention into the country's internal affairs.<ref>[http://www.kreml.org/interview/100931204 Kreml.Org | Андижанские события стали поводом для беспрецедентного давления на Узбекистан]</ref> == Geography == {{main|Geography of Uzbekistan}} {{seealso|List of cities in Uzbekistan}} [[Image:Uzbekistan map.jpg|220px|thumb|left|Map of Uzbekistan]] Uzbekistan is approximately the size of [[Morocco]] and has an [[area]] of {{km2 to mi2|447400|precision=-2|wiki=yes}}. It is the 56th largest country in the world by area and the 42nd by population.<ref>[http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/populations/ctypopls.htm www.worldatlas.com]</ref> Among the [[CIS]] countries, it is the 5th largest by area and the 3rd largest by population.<ref name=uzstat/> Uzbekistan stretches {{km to mi|1425}} from west to east and {{km to mi|930}} from north to south. Bordering [[Kazakhstan]] and the [[Aral Sea]] to the north and northwest, [[Turkmenistan]] to the southwest, [[Tajikistan]] to the southeast, and [[Kyrgyzstan]] to the northeast, Uzbekistan is not only one of the larger [[Central Asian]] states but also the only Central Asian state to border all the other four. Uzbekistan also shares a short border (less than 150 km) with [[Afghanistan]] to the south. [[Image:Lac Tcharvak.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Lake Tcharvak]]]] Uzbekistan is a dry, [[landlocked]] country; it is one of two double-landlocked countries in the world, i.e., a country completely surrounded by land-locked countries – the other being [[Liechtenstein]]. Less than 10% of its territory is intensively cultivated irrigated land in river valleys and oases. The rest is vast desert ([[Kyzyl Kum]]) and mountains. The highest point in Uzbekistan is {{m to ft|4643}}, located in the southern part of the [[Gissar Range]] in [[Surkhandarya Province]], on the border with [[Tajikistan]], just north-west of [[Dushanbe]] (formerly called '''Peak of the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party''', today apparently unnamed).<ref name=uzstat>''Statistical Yearbook'', State Statistical Committee of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 2005</ref> The [[climate]] in the Republic of [[Uzbekistan]] is continental, with little [[precipitation]] expected annually (100–200 millimeters, or 3.9–7.9 inches). The average summer [[temperature]] tends to be 40&nbsp;°C, while the average winter temperature is around 0&nbsp;°C.<ref name="LoC:Climate">[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+uz0029) Climate], Uzbekistan : Country Studies - Federal Research Division, Library of Congress.</ref> Major cities include: [[Bukhara]], [[Samarqand]], [[Namangan]], and the capital [[Tashkent]]. == Provinces == {{main|Provinces of Uzbekistan}} Uzbekistan is divided into twelve [[province]]s (''viloyatlar'', singular ''[[viloyat]]'', compound noun ''viloyati'' e.g. Toshkent ''viloyati'', Samarqand ''viloyati'', etc.), one [[autonomous republic]] (''respublika'', compound noun ''respublikasi'' e.g. Qaraqalpaqstan Avtonom ''Respublikasi'', Karakalpakistan ''Autonomous Republic'', etc.), and one [[independent city]] (''[[shahar]]''. compound noun ''shahri'' , e.g. Toshkent ''shahri''). Names are given below in the [[Uzbek language]], although numerous variations of the transliterations of each name exist. [[Image:Uzbekistan provinces.png|right|350px|Political Map of Uzbekistan]] {| class="wikitable sortable" |- bgcolor="#efefef" ! Division !! Capital City!! Area<br/>(km²)!! Population !! Key |- ! [[Andijan Province|Andijon Viloyati]] | [[Andijon]] ||4,200 || {{0|0,}}1,899,000 || 2 |- ! [[Buxoro Province|Buxoro Viloyati]] | Buxoro ([[Bukhara]]) || 39,400 || {{0|0,}}1,384,700 || 3 |- ! [[Fergana Province|Farg'ona Viloyati]] | Farg'ona ([[Fergana]]) || 6,800 || {{0|0,}}2,597,000 || 4 |- ! [[Jizzax Province|Jizzax Viloyati]] | [[Jizzax]] || 20,500 || {{0|0,}} 910,500 || 5 |- ! [[Xorazm Province|Xorazm Viloyati]] | [[Urgench|Urganch]] || 6,300 || {{0|0,}}1,200,000 || 13 |- ! [[Namangan Province|Namangan Viloyati]] | [[Namangan]] ||7,900 || {{0|0,}}1,862,000 || 6 |- ! [[Navoiy Province|Navoiy Viloyati]] | [[Navoiy]] || 110,800 || {{0|0,}} 767,500 || 7 |- ! [[Qashqadaryo Province|Qashqadaryo Viloyati]] | [[Qarshi]] || 28,400 || {{0|0,}}2,029,000 || 8 |- ! [[Karakalpakstan|Qaraqalpaqstan Respublikasi]] | [[Nukus]] || 160,000 || {{0|0,}}1,200,000 || 14 |- ! [[Samarqand Province|Samarqand Viloyati]] | [[Samarqand]] || 16,400 || {{0|0,}}2,322,000 || 9 |- ! [[Sirdaryo Province|Sirdaryo Viloyati]] | [[Guliston]] || 5,100 || {{0|0,}}648,100 || 10 |- ! [[Surxondaryo Province|Surxondaryo Viloyati]] | [[Termez]] || 20,800 || {{0|0,}}1,676,000 || 11 |- ! [[Toshkent Province|Toshkent Viloyati]] | Toshkent ([[Tashkent]])|| 15,300 || {{0|0,}}4,450,000 || 12 |- ! [[Toshkent|Toshkent Shahri]] | Toshkent (Tashkent)|| No Data || {{0|0,}}2,205,000 || 1 |} The statistics for Toshkent Viloyati also include the statistics for Toshkent Shahri. The provinces are further divided into districts (''tuman''). == Economy == {{main|Economy of Uzbekistan}} Along with many [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] economies, Uzbekistan's economy declined during the first years of transition and then recovered after 1995, as the cumulative effect of policy reforms began to be felt. It has shown robust growth, rising by 4% per year between 1998 and 2003 and accelerating thereafter to 7%-8% per year. According to IMF estimates<ref name=imf>[http://www.imf.org/external/data.htm IMF World Economic Outlook Database], October 2007</ref>, the GDP in 2008 will be almost double its value in 1995 (in constant prices). Since 2003 annual inflation rates averaged less than 10%. Uzbekistan has a very low [[Gross National Income|GNI]] per capita (US$610 in current dollars in 2006, giving a [[Purchasing power parity|PPP]] equivalent of US$2,250).<ref>[http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GNIPC.pdf GNI per capita 2006, Atlas method and PPP], World Development Indicators database, World Bank, [[14 September]] [[2007]].</ref> By GNI per capita in PPP equivalents Uzbekistan ranks 169 among 209 countries; among the 12 [[CIS]] countries, only Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan had lower GNI per capita in 2006. Economic production is concentrated in commodities: Uzbekistan is now the world's sixth-largest producer and second-largest exporter of cotton,<ref>[http://www.icac.org/cotton_info/publications/samples/weekly_estimates/8february05.pdf ''Cotton This Week'', International Cotton Advisory Committee, February 2005.]</ref> as well as the seventh largest world producer of gold. It is also a regionally significant producer of natural gas, coal, copper, oil, silver, and uranium.<ref>[http://www.irinnews.org/profiles/uzbekistan.asp#info IRIN | Country Profile | Uzbekistan<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Agriculture in Uzbekistan|Agriculture]] employs 28% of Uzbekistan's labor force and contributes 24% of its GDP (2006 data).<ref name=uzstat> [http://www.stat.uz/ State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on statistics] 2006 {{ru icon}}</ref> While official unemployment is very low, underemployment - especially in rural areas - is estimated to be at least 20%.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html CIA - The World Factbook - Uzbekistan<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Still, at cotton-harvest time, all students and teachers are mobilized as unpaid labour to help in the fields.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/newsnight/7068096.stm BBC NEWS | Programmes | Newsnight | Child labour and the High Street<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The use of child labor in Uzbekistan has led several companies, including Tesco,<ref>[http://www.ejfoundation.org/pdf/Uzbekistan_Cotton%20Tesco_letter_to_%20suppliers.pdf ''Tesco: Raw cotton sourcing'', letter to suppliers, January 7, 2008.]</ref> C&A,<ref>[http://www.c-and-a.com/aboutUs/socialResponsibility/ C&A Code of Conduct for Uzbekistan.]</ref> Marks & Spencer, Gap, and H&M, to boycott Uzbek cotton.<ref>{{cite news | last = Saidazimova | first = Gulnoza | title = Central Asia: Child Labor Alive And Thriving | publisher = Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty | date = June 12, 2008 | url = http://www.rferl.org/content/Article/1144612.html | accessdate = 2008-07-08}}</ref> [[Image:Prince Romanov Palace in Tashkent.jpg|thumb|280px|[[Tashkent]], the capital of Uzbekistan.]] Facing a multitude of economic challenges upon acquiring independence, the government adopted an evolutionary reform strategy, with an emphasis on state control, reduction of imports, and self-sufficiency in energy. Since 1994, the state controlled media have repeatedly proclaimed the success of this "Uzbekistan Economic Model"<ref>[http://2004.press-service.uz/rus/knigi/9tom/3tom_12.htm Пресс-служба Президента Республики Узбекистан<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and suggested that it is a unique example of a smooth transition to the market economy while avoiding shock, pauperization, and stagnation. The gradualist reform strategy has involved postponing significant macroeconomic and structural reforms. The state in the hands of the [[new class|bureaucracy]] has remained a dominant influence in the economy. Corruption permeates the society and grows more rampant over time: Uzbekistan's 2005 [[Corruption Perception Index]] was 137 out of 159 countries, whereas in 2007 Uzbekistan is at the very bottom of the ranking, 175 out of 179. A February 2006 report on the country by the [[International Crisis Group]] suggests that revenues earned from key exports, especially cotton, gold, corn, and increasingly gas, are distributed among a very small circle of the ruling elite, with little or no benefit for the populace at large.<ref>[http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3952&l=1 International Crisis Group - Uzbekistan: In for the Long Haul<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/New-Report-Paints-Grim-Picture-of-Uzbekistan.cfm New Report Paints Grim Picture of Uzbekistan<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Image:Samarkand view from the top.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Samarkand]]]] According to the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], "the government is hostile to allowing the development of an independent private sector, over which it would have no control".<ref>[http://www.eurasiacenter.org/Country%20reports/Central%20Asia/Uzbekistan%20Economic%20Highlights.doc Economist Intelligence Unit report cited]</ref> Thus, the national [[bourgeoisie]] in general, and the [[middle class]] in particular, are marginalized economically, and, consequently, politically. The economic policies have repelled foreign investment, which is the lowest per capita in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]].<ref>http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ifd/2005/42196.htm</ref> For years, the largest barrier to foreign companies entering the Uzbekistani market has been the difficulty of converting currency. In 2003, the government accepted the obligations of Article VIII under the [[International Monetary Fund]],<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2003/pr03188.htm Press Release: The Republic of Uzbekistan Accepts Article VIII Obligations<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and the tightening of borders have lessened the effect of this measure. Uzbekistan experienced galloping [[inflation]] of around 1000% per year immediately after independence (1992-1994). Stabilization efforts implemented with active guidance from the [[IMF]] rapidly paid off, as inflation rates were brought down to 50% in 1997 and then to 22% in 2002. Since 2003 annual inflation rates averaged less than 10%.<ref name=imf/> Tight economic policies in 2004 resulted in a drastic reduction of inflation to 3.8% (although alternative estimates based on the price of a true [[market basket]], put it at 15%<ref>[http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2005/uzb.asp Asian Development Outlook 2005 - Uzbekistan - ADB.org<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>). The inflation rates moved up to 6.9% in 2006 and 7.6% in 2007, but have remained in the single-digit range.<ref>[http://www.indexmundi.com/uzbekistan/inflation_rate_(consumer_prices).html Uzbekistan CPI 2003-2007]</ref> The government of Uzbekistan restricts foreign imports in many ways, including high import duties. Excise taxes are applied in a highly discriminatory manner to protect locally produced goods. Official tariffs are combined with unofficial, discriminatory charges resulting in total charges amounting to as much as 100 to 150% of the actual value of the product, making imported products virtually unaffordable.<ref>[http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2004/2004_National_Trade_Estimate/2004_NTE_Report/asset_upload_file327_4803.pdf NTE 2004 FINAL 3.30.04 latest.doc<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Import substitution is an officially declared policy and the government proudly reports a reduction by a factor of two in the volume of consumer goods imported.<ref>[http://www.mfa.uz/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=59&page=1 Министерство иностранных дел Республики Узбекистан<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> A number of CIS countries are officially exempt from Uzbekistan import duties. The Republican Stock Exchange (RSE) 'Tashkent' opened in 1994. It houses a securities exchange, real estate traders, the national investment fund and the national securities depositary. It does not trade all joint-stock companies each month and therefore market capitalisation varies widely.<ref>[http://www.visituzbekistan.eu Uzbekistan Online - News Maps Weather News Politics Economy Law Hotels Flights Cars People<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Uzbekistan's external position has been strong since 2003. Thanks in part to the recovery of world market prices of gold and cotton, the country's key export commodities, expanded natural gas and some manufacturing exports, and increasing labour migrant transfers the current account turned into a large surplus – of between 9 and 11 per cent of GDP in 2003-05 – and foreign exchange reserves, including gold, more than doubled to around US$3 billion.<ref>[http://www.fainvestment.com Welcome to F&A Investment Limited<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> == Demographics == {{main|Demographics of Uzbekistan}} [[Image:Young Uzbekistani boys at a mosque in Uzbekistan.jpg|thumb|Boys pose for a picture at [[Registan]]. Over a third of Uzbekistan's population is under 14 years old.]] Uzbekistan is Central Asia's most populous country. Its 27.7 million people<ref name=cia1>July 2007 estimate; CIA World factbook, [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html#People Uzbekistan]</ref> comprise nearly half the region's total population. The population of Uzbekistan is very young: 34.1% of its are people are younger than 14. According to official sources, [[Uzbeks]] comprise a majority (80%) of the total population. Other ethnic groups include [[Russians]] 5.5%, [[Tajiks]] 5%, [[Kazakhs]] 3%, [[Karakalpaks]] 2.5%, and [[Tatars]] 1.5%.<ref name=cia2>1996 data; CIA World factbook, [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html#People Uzbekistan]</ref> There is some controversy about the percentage of the Tajik population. While official numbers from Uzbekistan put the number at 5%, some Western scholars believe it to be much higher, going as high as 20%.<ref>[http://www.cornellcaspian.com/pub/0010uzbekistan.htm Svante E. Cornell, "Uzbekistan: A Regional Player in Eurasian Geopolitics?"], ''European Security'', vol. 20, no. 2, Summer 2000.<!--Unverifiable source, see Discussion: D. Carlson, "Uzbekistan: Ethnic Composition and Discriminations", [[Harvard University]], August 2003--></ref> There is also an ethnic [[Koreans|Korean]] population that was [[Population transfer in the Soviet Union|forcibly relocated]] to Uzbekistan by Stalin in the 1930s. There are also small groups of [[Armenians]] in Uzbekistan, mostly in Tashkent and Samarkand, most of them came during the [[Armenian Genocide]]. The nation is 88% Muslim (mostly [[Sunnis|Sunni]], with a 5% [[Shi'a]] minority), 9% [[Eastern Orthodox]] and 3% other faiths. The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report 2004 reports that 0.2% of the population are [[Buddhist]] (these being ethnic Koreans). The [[Bukharian Jews]] have lived in Central Asia, mostly in Uzbekistan, for thousands of years. There were also an estimated 93,000 [[Jew]]s in Uzbekistan in the early 1990s (source Library of Congress Country Studies). But now, since the collapse of the USSR, most Central Asian Jews left the region for the [[United States]] or [[Israel]]. Only about 500-1,500 Jews remain in Uzbekistan. At least 10 percent of the Uzbekistan's labour force works abroad (mostly in [[Russia]] and [[Kazakhstan]]).<ref>[[International Crisis Group]], [http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5027&l=1 Uzbekistan: Stagnation and Uncertainty], Asia Briefing N°67, 22 August 2007 (''free registration needed to view full report'')</ref> Uzbekistan has a 99.3% literacy rate among adults older than 15,<ref>2003 data; CIA World Factbook, [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/print/uz.html Uzbekistan]</ref> which is attributable to the free and universal education system of the Soviet Union. === Languages === The [[Uzbek language]] is the only official state language.<ref>[http://www.umid.uz/Main/Uzbekistan/Constitution/constitution.html Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan]</ref> [[Russian language|Russian]] is still an important language for interethnic communication, especially in the cities, including much day-to-day technical, scientific, governmental and business use. The use of Russian in remote rural areas has always been limited, and today school children have no proficiency in Russian even in urban centers. In 1992 Uzbekistan officially shifted back to Latin script{{Fact|date=May 2008}} from traditional considerations of consistency with Turkey, but many signs and notices (including official government boards in the streets) are still written in Uzbek Cyrillic script that had been used in [[Uzbek SSR]] since 1940. Computers as a rule operate using the so-called "Uzbek Cyrillic" keyboard, and Latin script is reportedly composed using the standard English keyboard. == Communications == {{main|Communications in Uzbekistan}} According to the official source report, as of 10 March 2008, the number of cellular phone users in Uzbekistan reached 7 million, up from 3.7 million on 1 July 2007.<ref>Uzbekistan agency for Communication and Information (UzACI) [http://www.aci.uz] and UzDaily.com [http://www.uzdaily.com]</ref> The largest mobile operator in terms of number of subscribers is MTS-Uzbekistan (former Uzdunrobita and part of Russian Mobile TeleSystems) and it is followed by Beeline (part of Russia's Beeline) and Coscom (owned by US MCT Corp., but there is news that it is selling its asset to TeliaSonera.<ref>[http://www.uzdaily.com/?c=119&a=1834 TeliaSonera says to buy mobile player MCT Corp<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> As of [[1 July]] [[2007]], the estimated number of internet users was 1.8 million, according to UzACI. == Transportation == {{main|Transportation in Uzbekistan}} [[Tashkent]], the nation's capital and largest city, has a three-line [[Rapid transit|rapid transit system]] built in 1977, and expanded in 2001 after ten years' independence from the [[Soviet Union]]. Uzbekistan is currently the only country in Central Asia with a subway system, and [http://www.tashkent.org/uzland/subway.html promotes itself] as one of the cleanest systems in the world. The stations are exceedingly ornate. For example Kosmonavtov is decorated throughout using a [[Human spaceflight|space travel]] theme to recognise the achievements of an Uzbek [[Cosmonaut]] There are government operated trams, buses and [[trolley bus]]es running across the city. There are also many taxis, both registered and unregistered. Uzbekistan has car-producing plants which produce modern cars. The car production is supported by the government and the Korean auto company [[Daewoo]]. The Uzbek government acquired a 50% stake in Daewoo in 2005 for an undisclosed sum, and in May 2007 UzDaewooAuto, the car maker, signed a strategic agreement with General Motors-Daewoo Auto and Technology (GMDAT).<ref>[http://www.uzdaily.com/?c=118&a=1315 Uzbekistan, General Motors sign strategic deal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The government also bought a stake in Turkey's Koc in SamKocAuto, a producer of small buses and lorries. Afterwards, it signed an agreement with Isuzu Motors of Japan to produce Isuzu buses and lorries.<ref>[http://www.uzdaily.com/?c=118&a=1242 SamAuto supplies 100 buses to Samarkand firms], UZDaily.com. [http://www.uzdaily.com/?c=118&a=1336 Japanese firm buys 8% shares in SamAuto], UZDaily.com.</ref> Train links connect many towns within Uzbekistan, as well as neighbouring ex-republics of the [[Soviet Union]]. Moreover, after independence two fast-running train systems were established. There is also a large airplane plant that was built during the Soviet era – Tashkent Chkalov Aviation Manufacturing Plant or ТАПОиЧ in Russian. The plant originated during World War II, when production facilities were evacuated south and east to avoid capture by advancing Nazi forces. Until the late 1980s, the plant was one of the leading airplane production centers in the USSR, but with collapse of the Soviet Union its manufacturing equipment became outdated, and most of the workers were laid off. Now it produces only a few planes a year, but with interest from Russian companies growing in it, there are rumors of production-enhancement plans. == Military == {{main|Military of Uzbekistan}} Uzbekistan possesses the largest military force in the Central Asian region, having around 65,000 people in uniform. Its structure is inherited from the Soviet armed forces, although it is moving rapidly toward a fully restructured organization, which will eventually be built around light and Special Forces. The Uzbekistan Armed Forces equipment is not modern, and training, while improving, is neither uniform nor adequate for its new mission of territorial security. The government has accepted the arms control obligations of the former Soviet Union, acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (as a non-nuclear state), and supported an active program by the U.S. [[Defense Threat Reduction Agency]] (DTRA) in western Uzbekistan ([[Nukus]] and [[Vozrozhdeniye Island]]). The Government of Uzbekistan spends about 3.7% of GDP on the military but has received a growing infusion of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and other security assistance funds since 1998. Following the [[September 11]], [[2001]] terrorist attacks in the U.S., Uzbekistan approved the U.S. Central Command's request for access to a vital military air base, [[Karshi-Khanabad|Karshi-Khanabad Airbase]], in southern Uzbekistan. However Uzbekistan demanded that the U.S. withdraw from the airbases after the [[Andijan massacre]] and the U.S. reaction to this massacre. The last US troops left Uzbekistan in November 2005. == Foreign relations == {{main|Foreign relations of Uzbekistan}} Uzbekistan joined the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] in December 1991. However, it is opposed to reintegration and withdrew from the CIS collective security arrangement in 1999. Since that time, Uzbekistan has participated in the CIS peacekeeping force in Tajikistan and in UN-organized groups to help resolve the Tajikistan and Afghanistan conflicts, both of which it sees as posing threats to its own stability. Previously close to Washington (which gave Uzbekistan half a billion dollars in aid in 2004, about a quarter of it military), the government of Uzbekistan has recently restricted American military use of the airbase at [[Karshi-Khanabad]] for air operations in neighboring Afghanistan.<ref>[http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/intervention/2005/1017ricevisits.htm Rice Attempts to Secure US Influence in Central Asia], Global Policy Forum.</ref> Uzbekistan was an active supporter of U.S. efforts against worldwide terrorism and joined the coalitions that have dealt with both Afghanistan and Iraq. The relationship between Uzbekistan and the United States began to deteriorate after the so-called "[[color revolutions]]" in Georgia and Ukraine (and to a lesser extent Kyrgyzstan). When the U.S. joined in a call for an independent international investigation of the bloody events at [[Andijon]], the relationship took an additional nosedive, and President Islom Karimov changed the political alignment of the country to bring it closer to Russia and China, countries which chose not to criticize Uzbekistan's leaders for their alleged human rights violations. In late July 2005, the government of Uzbekistan ordered the United States to vacate an air base in Karshi-Kanabad (near the Uzbekistan's border with Afghanistan) within 180 days. Karimov had offered use of the base to the U.S. shortly after [[9/11]]. It is also believed by some Uzbeks that the protests in Andijan were brought about by the UK and US influences in the area of Andijan. This is another reason for the hostility between Uzbekistan and the West. Uzbekistan is a member of the United Nations (since [[March 2]], [[1992]]), the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Partnership for Peace, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It belongs to the [[Organization of the Islamic Conference]] (OIC) and the [[Economic Cooperation Organization]] (comprising the five Central Asian countries, [[Azerbaijan]], [[Turkey]], [[Iran]], [[Afghanistan]], and [[Pakistan]]). In 1999 , Uzbekistan joined the [[GUAM]] alliance ([[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[Ukraine]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Moldova]]), which was formed in 1997 (making it GUUAM), but pulled out of the organization in 2005. Uzbekistan is also a member of the [[Shanghai Cooperation Organization]] (SCO) and hosts the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent. Uzbekistan joined the new [[Central Asian Cooperation Organization]] (CACO) in 2002. The CACO consists of Uzbekistan, [[Tajikistan]], [[Kazakhstan]], and [[Kyrgyzstan]]. It is a founding member of, and remains involved in, the Central Asian Union, formed with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and joined in March 1998 by Tajikistan. In September 2006, [[UNESCO]] presented Islom Karimov an award for Uzbekistan's preservation of its rich culture and traditions. Despite criticism, this seems to be a sign of improving relationships between Uzbekistan and the West. The month of October 2006 also saw a decrease in the isolation of Uzbekistan from the West. The [[EU]] announced that it was planning to send a delegation to Uzbekistan to talk about human rights and liberties, after a long period of hostile relations between the two. Although it is equivocal about whether the official or unofficial version of the [[Andijan Massacre]] is true, the EU is evidently willing to ease its economic sanctions against Uzbekistan. Nevertheless, it is generally assumed among the Uzbekistan's population that the government will stand firm in maintaining its close ties with the [[Russian Federation]] and in its theory that the 2004–2005 protests in Uzbekistan were promoted by the [[United States|USA]] and [[UK]]. == Culture == {{main|Culture of Uzbekistan}} {{seealso|Music of Uzbekistan|Kurash|Islam in Uzbekistan|Scout Association of Uzbekistan}} [[Uzbekistan]] has a wide mix of ethnic groups and cultures, with the [[Uzbeks|Uzbek]] being the majority group. In 1995 about 71% of Uzbekistan's population was Uzbek. The chief minority groups were [[Russia]]ns (8%), [[Tajiks]] (5%), [[Kazak]]s (4%), [[Tatar]]s (2.5%), and [[Karakalpak]]s (2%). It is said however that the number of non-Uzbek people living in Uzbekistan is decreasing as Russians and other minority groups slowly leave and Uzbeks return from other parts of the former [[Soviet Union]]. When Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, there was concern that [[Muslim fundamentalism]] would spread across the region. The expectation was that a country long denied freedom of religious practice would undergo a very rapid increase in the expression of its dominant faith. As of 1994, well over half of Uzbekistan's population was said to be Muslim, though in an official survey few of that number had any real knowledge of the religion or knew how to practice it. However, Islamic observance is increasing in the region. Uzbekistan has a high [[literacy rate]], with about 99.3% of adults above the age of 15 being able to read and write. However with only 88% of the under 15 population currently enrolled in education this figure may drop in the future {{Fact|date=September 2007}} . Uzbekistan has encountered severe budgeting shortfalls in its education program. The education law of 1992 began the process of theoretical reform, but the physical base has deteriorated, and curriculum revision has been slow. Uzbekistan's universities churn out almost 600,000 graduates annually. ==Environment== {{Refimprove|date=May 2007}} Uzbekistan's environmental situation ought to be a major concern among the international community. Decades of questionable [[Soviet]] policies in pursuit of greater [[cotton]] production has resulted in a catastrophic scenario. The agricultural industry appears to be the main contributor to the pollution and devastation of the air and water in the country.<ref>[http://countrystudies.us/uzbekistan/17.htm Uzbekistan - Environment<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The [[Aral Sea]] disaster is a classic example. The Aral Sea used to be the fourth largest inland [[sea]] on [[Earth]], acting as an influencing factor in the air moisture.<ref>[http://www.msf.org/msfinternational/invoke.cfm?objectid=6589D208-DC2C-11D4-B2010060084A6370&component=toolkit.article&method=full_html MSF Around the World<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Since the 1960s, the decade when the misuse of the Aral Sea water began, it has shrunk to less than 50% of its former area, and decreased in volume threefold. Reliable – or even approximate – data has not been collected, stored or provided by any organization or official agency. The numbers of animal deaths and human refugees from the area around the sea can only be guessed at. The question of who is responsible for the crisis – the Soviet scientists and politicians who directed the distribution of water during the sixties, or the post-Soviet politicians who did not allocate sufficient funding for the building of dams and irrigation systems - remains open. Due to the almost insoluble Aral Sea problem, high [[salinity]] is widespread in Uzbekistan. The vast majority of the nation's water resources are used for [[farming]], which consumes nearly 94% of the [[water]] usage.<ref name="LoC:Climate"/> This results in a heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers.<ref name="LoC:Climate"/> ==Multimedia== *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJfceQzUdbA National anthem of Republic of Uzbekistan on YouTube] *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVRL_MxdvMw National anthem of Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic on YouTube] == See also == <div style="column-count:3; -moz-column-count:3; -webkit-column-count:3;"> * [[Agriculture in Uzbekistan]] * [[Afghanistan-Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge]] * [[Economy of Uzbekistan]] * [[Cuisine of Uzbekistan]] * [[Human rights in Uzbekistan]] * [[List of Uzbeks]] * [[President of Uzbekistan]] * [[Prime Minister of Uzbekistan]] * [[Politics of Uzbekistan]] * [[Senate of Uzbekistan]] * [[Supreme Court of Uzbekistan]] * [[Transport in Uzbekistan]] * [[Trans-Caspian railway]] * [[Central Asian Union]] </div> == Notes == {{reflist|2}} ==References== ===Online Sources=== <div class="references-small"> * Anora Mahmudova, [[AlterNet]], [[May 27]], [[2005]], [http://www.alternet.org/story/22097/ Uzbekistan’s Growing Police State] (checked [[2005-11-08]]) * [[Manfred Nowak]], [[Radio Free Europe]], [[2005-06-23]], [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/06/b478ffa5-9143-4750-9680-9a523ef039c2.html UN Charges Uzbekistan With Post-Andijon Torture], * Gulnoza Saidazimova, Radio Free Europe, [[2005-06-22]], [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/06/ef3297ac-38ed-4eab-a8d2-4dcb2418ca07.html Uzbekistan: Tashkent reveals findings on Andijon uprising as victims mourned] * [[BBC News]], [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/world/asia-pacific/4380166.stm 'Harassed' BBC shuts Uzbek office], [[2005-10-26]] (checked [[2005-11-15]]) * [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html CIA - The World Factbook &mdash; Uzbekistan] * [http://www.omct.org/pdf/omct_europe/2005/omct-las_uzb_report_04_05.pdf Denial of Justice in Uzbekistan, report to [[OMCT]] ] * [http://www.freedomhouse.org/research/mrr2005.pdf The worst of the worst, the world's most repressive societies, 2005]. * [http://www.uzbekistan.org/press/archive/283/ The measures, taken by the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of providing and encouraging human rights] * [http://www.eurasianet.org/resource/uzbekistan/hypermail/200304/0029.shtml Uzbekistan' s Ombudsman reports on 2002 results] * Jeffrey Thomas, US Government Info [[September 26]], [[2005]] [http://usinfo.state.gov/eur/Archive/2005/Sep/26-966275.html Freedom of Assembly, Association Needed in Eurasia, U.S. Says], * Robert McMahon, [[Radio Free Europe]], [[2005-06-07]] [http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/06/53b15c1e-995c-4339-819c-8090fbc94736.html Uzbekistan: Report Cites Evidence Of Government 'Massacre' In Andijon] * [http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGEUR620152005?open&of=ENG-UZB Amnesty International, public statement "Uzbekistan: Independent international investigation needed into Andizhan events"] * People's Voice, [[2005-05-17]] [http://www.press-service.uz/en/gsection.scm?groupId=5203&contentId=8868 Andijan events: truth and lies] * Interview with Akmal Saidov, kreml.org, [[2005-10-17]] [http://www.kreml.org/interview/100931204 Andijon events are used as a pretext for putting an unprecedented pressure on Uzbekistan] * [http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GNIPC.pdf Worldbank per-country data on GNI and PPP per capita] * [http://www.irinnews.org/profiles/uzbekistan.asp#info UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Country Report on Uzbekistan] * Islam Karimov's interview to Rossijskaya Gazeta, [[1995-07-07]] [http://2004.press-service.uz/rus/knigi/9tom/3tom_12.htm Principles of Our Reform] * [http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Uzbekistan 2005 Index of Economic Freedom, Uzbekistan] * US Department of State, [http://www.state.gov/e/eb/ifd/2005/42196.htm Uzbekistan: 2005 Investment Climate Statement] * [http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/pr/2003/pr03188.htm The Republic of Uzbekistan Accepts Article VIII Obligations] * US Department of State, [[2005-07]] [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2924.htm Background Note: Uzbekistan] * [http://www.adb.org/Documents/Books/ADO/2005/uzb.asp Asian Development Outlook for 2005, report on Uzbekistan] * IMF , [[2005-09-24]] [http://www.imf.org/external/country/UZB/index.htm Republic of Uzbekistan and the IMF] * [http://www.mfa.uz/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=59&page=1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan report on International Trade] * [http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3952&l=1 Uzbekistan: In for the Long Haul]: report on the international response to Uzbekistan by the [[International Crisis Group]] ===Printed Sources=== * ''Chasing the Sea: Lost Among the Ghosts of Empire in Central Asia'' by Tom Bissell * ''A Historical Atlas of Uzbekistan'' by Aisha Khan * ''The Modern Uzbeks From the 14th century to the Present: A Cultural History'' by Edward A. Allworth * ''Nationalism in Uzbekistan: Soviet Republic's Road to Sovereignty'' by James Critchlow * ''Odyssey Guide: Uzbekistan'' by Calcum Macleod and Bradley Mayhew * ''Uzbekistan: Heirs to the Silk Road'' by Johannes Kalter and Margareta Pavaloi * "Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?" by Ted Rall * ''Murder in Samarkand - A British Ambassador's Controversial Defiance of Tyranny in the War on Terror'' by [[Craig Murray]]</div> ==External links== {{sisterlinks}} * [http://www.gov.uz/en/ Government of Uzbekistan] * [http://parliament.gov.uz/ Lower House of Uzbekistan parliament] * [http://www.senat.gov.uz/aparat.htm Upper House of Uzbekistan parliament] * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/Uzbekistan}} * [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/uztoc.html Library of Congress - A Country Study: Uzbekistan] * {{wikitravel|Uzbekistan}} * [http://gallery.bittabola.com/ Photos of Uzbekistan] {{Template group |title = Geographic locale |list = {{Countries of Central Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership |list = {{Economic Cooperation Organization}} {{Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)|state=collapsed}} {{Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)|state=collapsed}} {{Eurasian Economic Community (EURASEC)}} {{Shanghai Cooperation Organisation}} }} {{Template group | title = Other associations | list = {{Turkic-speaking}} {{Modern Turkic states}} {{Turkic topics}} }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Uzbekistan}} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Uzbekistan| ]]<!--Keep with [space] index at start of list (eponymous category) --> [[Category:Modern Turkic states]] [[Category:Landlocked countries]] [[Category:Russian-speaking countries and territories]] <!--Other languages--> [[af:Oesbekistan]] [[als:Usbekistan]] [[ar:أوزبكستان]] [[an:Usbekistán]] [[frp:Ozbèquistan]] [[ast:Uzbequistán]] [[az:Özbəkistan]] [[bn:উজবেকিস্তান]] [[zh-min-nan:Uzbekistan]] [[ba:Үзбәкстан]] [[be:Узбекістан]] [[be-x-old:Узбэкістан]] [[bs:Uzbekistan]] [[br:Ouzbekistan]] [[bg:Узбекистан]] [[ca:Uzbekistan]] [[cv:Узбекистан]] [[ceb:Uzbekistan]] [[cs:Uzbekistán]] [[cy:Uzbekistan]] [[da:Usbekistan]] [[de:Usbekistan]] [[dv:އުޒްބެކިސްތާން]] [[dsb:Usbekska]] [[dz:ཨུཛ་བེ་ཀིསི་ཏཱན་]] [[et:Usbekistan]] [[el:Ουζμπεκιστάν]] [[es:Uzbekistán]] [[eo:Uzbekio]] [[eu:Uzbekistan]] [[fa:ازبکستان]] [[fr:Ouzbékistan]] [[fy:Oezbekistan]] [[ga:An Úisbéiceastáin]] [[gv:Yn Oosbeckistaan]] [[gd:Usbagastàn]] [[gl:Usbequistán - O‘zbekiston]] [[ko:우즈베키스탄]] [[hy:Ուզբեկստան]] [[hi:उज़्बेकिस्तान]] [[hsb:Uzbekistan]] [[hr:Uzbekistan]] [[io:Uzbekistan]] [[ilo:Uzbekistan]] [[bpy:উজবেকিস্তান]] [[id:Uzbekistan]] [[ia:Uzbekistan]] [[ie:Uzbekistan]] [[os:Узбекистан]] [[is:Úsbekistan]] [[it:Uzbekistan]] [[he:אוזבקיסטן]] [[jv:Uzbekistan]] [[pam:Uzbekistan]] [[kn:ಉಜ್ಬೇಕಿಸ್ಥಾನ್]] [[ka:უზბეკეთი]] [[kaa:O'zbekstan]] [[kk:Өзбекстан]] [[kw:Pow Ousbek]] [[ky:Өзбекстан]] [[sw:Uzbekistan]] [[ht:Ouzbekistan]] [[ku:Ûzbêkistan]] [[la:Usbecia]] [[lv:Uzbekistāna]] [[lt:Uzbekija]] [[lij:Uzbekistan]] [[li:Oesbekistan]] [[hu:Üzbegisztán]] [[mk:Узбекистан]] [[mr:उझबेकिस्तान]] [[ms:Uzbekistan]] [[mn:Узбекистан]] [[nah:Uzbectlālpan]] [[nl:Oezbekistan]] [[ja:ウズベキスタン]] [[no:Usbekistan]] [[nn:Usbekistan]] [[nov:Uzbekistan]] [[oc:Ozbequistan]] [[ug:ئۆزبەكىستان]] [[uz:Oʻzbekiston]] [[ps:ازبکستان]] [[pms:Uzbekistan]] [[nds:Usbekistan]] [[pl:Uzbekistan]] [[pt:Uzbequistão]] [[crh:Özbekistan]] [[ro:Uzbekistan]] [[qu:Usbiksuyu]] [[ru:Узбекистан]] [[se:Usbekistan]] [[sa:उजबेकिस्थान]] [[sq:Uzbekistani]] [[scn:Uzbekistan]] [[simple:Uzbekistan]] [[sk:Uzbekistan]] [[sl:Uzbekistan]] [[sr:Узбекистан]] [[sh:Uzbekistan]] [[fi:Uzbekistan]] [[szl:Ůzbekistan]] [[sv:Uzbekistan]] [[tl:Uzbekistan]] [[ta:உஸ்பெகிஸ்தான்]] [[te:ఉజ్బెకిస్తాన్]] [[th:ประเทศอุซเบกิสถาน]] [[vi:Uzbekistan]] [[tg:Ӯзбакистон]] [[tr:Özbekistan]] [[tk:Özbegystan]] [[udm:Узбекистан]] [[uk:Узбекистан]] [[ur:ازبکستان]] [[vec:Uzbekistan]] [[vo:Lusbekän]] [[wo:Usbekistaan]] [[wuu:乌字别基斯当]] [[yi:אוזבעקיסטאן]] [[diq:Ozbekıstan]] [[bat-smg:Ozbėkistans]] [[zh:乌兹别克斯坦]]