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The Republic of Uzbekistan is a country in Central
Asia. It has borders with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
History
Main article: History of Uzbekistan
Politics
Main article: Politics of Uzbekistan
Subdivisions
Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions (viloyatlar; singular - viloyat), 1 autonomous republic* (respublika), and 1 city**
(shahar):
- Andijon Viloyati
- Buxoro Viloyati (Bukhara)
- Farg‘ona Viloyati
- Jizzax Viloyati
- Xorazm Wiloyati (Urganch)
- Namangan Viloyati
- Navoiy Viloyati
- Qashqadaryo Viloyati (Qarshi)
- Qoraqalpog‘iston* (Nukus)
- Samarqand Viloyati (Samarkand)
- Sirdaryo Viloyati (Guliston)
- Surxondaryo Viloyati (Termez)
- Toshkent Shahar** (Tashkent)
- Toshkent Viloyati (Tashkent)
note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions and alternate spellings
have the administrative center name following in parentheses)
Geography
Main article: Geography of Uzbekistan
Map of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a dry, double-landlocked country of which 10% consists of
intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. It is one of two double-landlocked countries in the world - the other being
Liechtenstein.
See also: List of cities in
Uzbekistan
Economy
Main article: Economy of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan was one of the poorest areas of the former Soviet Union with
more than 60% of its population living in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is now the world's third largest
cotton exporter, a major producer of gold and
natural gas, and a regionally significant producer of chemicals and
machinery.
Following independence in December 1991, the government sought to prop up its
Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. Faced with high rates of inflation, however, the government began to reform in mid-1994, by introducing tighter monetary policies, expanding privatization, slightly reducing the role of the state in the economy, and improving the environment for
foreign investors. The state continues to be a dominating influence in the economy, and reforms have so far failed to bring about
much-needed structural changes. The IMF suspended Uzbekistan's $185 million standby
arrangement in late 1996 because of governmental steps that made impossible fulfillment of Fund conditions. Uzbekistan has
responded to the negative external conditions generated by the Asian and Russian financial crises by tightening export and currency controls within its already
largely closed economy. Economic policies that have repelled foreign investment are a major factor in the economy's stagnation. A
growing debt burden, persistent inflation, and a poor business climate cloud growth prospects in 2000.
Demographics
Main article: Demographics of
Uzbekistan
Culture
Main article: Culture of Uzbekistan
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in Uzbekistan
- Transportation in Uzbekistan
- Military of Uzbekistan
- Foreign relations of
Uzbekistan
External links
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