The Republic of Uzbekistan is one of five republics in Central Asia
which were once part of the Soviet Union. Plains cover most of western Uzbekistan,
with highlands in the east. The main rivers drain into the Aral Sea. Most of the
country is desert.
Uzbekistan has a continental climate. Winters are cold, but temperatures soar
in the summer. The west is extremely arid.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Communists took over, setting up the Uzbek
Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924. In the late 1980s people demanded more freedom
and, in 1990, the government stated that its laws overruled those of the Soviet
Union. Uzbekistan became independent in 1991, but retained links with Russia through
the Commonwealth of Independent States. Islam Karimov, leader of the People's
Democratic Party (formerly the Communist Party), was elected president in December
1991. In 1992-3, many opposition leaders were arrested because the government
said that they threatened national stability. In 1994-5, the PDP won victories
in national elections and, in 1995, a referendum extended Karimov's term in office
until 2000.
The World Bank classifies Uzbekistan as a "lower-middle-income" developing country.
Uzbekistan produces coal, copper, gold, and oil.
There's so much more to learn... Check out our Facts For The Visitor or read up on our reviews of everything about Uzbekistan:
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