last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Uzbekistan
Location Map of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
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Quick Overview
Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia within the valleys of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. It stretches from the Aral Sea and the arid deserts dotted with oases in the north and west to the snow-capped peaks of the southern and eastern mountains, some of which exceed 4,000 metres in altitude.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: in the heart of Central Asia, "sandwiched" between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
- Latitude/longitude: 41°16'N, 69°13' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Tashkent.
- Nature of the state: republic.
- Official language: Uzbek.
- Currency: sum.
- Population: 30,023,709 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 447,400 km².
- Density: 67 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Khazret Sultan (4,643 m).
- Lowest point: Sariqarnish Kuli (-12 m).
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
While it may not be the most visited country in the region (2.69 million visitors in 2017), Uzbekistan remains the best-known tourist destination thanks to its landscapes and, above all, its "millennia-old cities" that are unique in their kind: Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for slightly experienced travellers.
- By air: France-Tashkent.
- Entry requirements: passport + visa.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays .
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 105/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $6,900 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +12.5% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 5% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 14% (2016)
- Life expectancy: 74.3 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -2.2 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.91% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 99.6% (2015)
- Urban population: 50.5% (2018)
- Press freedom: 165/180 (rank in 2018)
- Political regime: authoritarian regime (156/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook