TAMERLANETOUR

     Uzbekistan today is a new independent state in Central Asia. After the collapse of the USSR Uzbekistan chose peace-loving democratic policy and launched reforms to develop a market economy and enter international economic society as a full member.

Uzbekistan at a glance

Formal name: The Republic of Uzbekistan Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 64 00 E Area: total 447.400 km2: land: 425.400 km2, water: 22,000 km2 Land boundaries: total: 6.221 km, border countries: Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2.203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1.099 km, Tajikistan 1.161 km, Turkmenistan 1.621 km Population: 29 million (January, 2011) Density of population: 50.1 per km2 Capital: Tashkent Language Official language - Uzbek, widely used: Russian, Tajik, Kara kalpak, also English, which is getting popular among youth generation. National currency: Sum. 1 sum=100 tiyin. Structure: Sovereign Republic of Karakalpakistan, 12 provinces, 226 cities and districts. Religion: Islam - 88%, Christian - 9% (more about Religions in Uzbekistan >>>)Time: GMT + 05:00Electric power: 220 V AC, 50 amp; Standard two-pin plug socket Domain zone:.uz International dialing code: +998 

Flag of Uzbekistan

The national flag was approved by the Extraordinary 8th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan on November 18, 1991. The flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan consists of blue, white and green stripes, separated by two narrow red stripes. A crescent and three rows of twelve stars are situated on the left side of the upper blue stripe. The blue color symbolizes the sky and water as the principle sources of life. The National flag of Amir Timur was also blue in color. The white stripe is the traditional symbol of peace and of moral and spiritual purity. The green stripe symbolizes nature, the new epoch and abundance in the countries where the majority of the population is Islamic. Besides that, this is in harmony with the modern movement of Greenpeace, which protects nature. The red separating stripes symbolize the current of vital energy in any living body and also connect our pure and noble thoughts with the sky and the earth. The crescent of the new moon, along with its traditional historical symbolism, is at the same time a symbol of the birth of republic's independence. The symbolism of twelve stars is connected historically with the solar calendar year, which begins from Navruz and embodies the twelve principles laying in the foundation of state management.

Emblem of Uzbekistan

The state emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was approved by the 10th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan on July 2, 1992. The state emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan actually absorbed the centuries-old experiences of the Uzbek people. It reflects a blossoming valley and a shining sun. The right side of the valley is set off with wheat and to the left with a cotton plant garland. The octagonal star, symbolizing the unity of the Republic, crowns the state emblem. The holy Muslim symbols of the crescent and the star are placed inside the star. In the center of the emblem there is the holy bird, Khumo, with its spread wings symbolizing magnanimity, nobility and service. These symbols reflect the long way of the Uzbek people towards peace, stability, happiness, wealth and prosperity. A little frame with the inscription "Uzbekistan" is placed in the lower part of the state emblem.

The National Anthem

The state anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was approved by the 11th Session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan at the 12th convocation on December 10, 1992. 

Location of Uzbekistan
The Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the central part of Central Asia between two rivers: the Amudarya and Syrdarya. The Turan Lowland lies to the northwest, and the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alay mountain ridges are located in the southeast of the territory. The Kyzyl-Kum Desert defines the Northern part of the country. Uzbekistan borders Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Terrain
Mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat, intensely irrigated river valleys along the course of the Amu Darya, Sirdaryo (Syr Darya), and Zarafshon rivers; the Fergana Valley in the east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; the shrinking Aral Sea in the west.

Elevation extremes
Lowest point: Sariqarnish Lake - 12 m.
Highest point: Adelunga Mountain - 4.301 m.

Climate
The climate of Uzbekistan is extremely continental with a great number of sunny days. The average monthly temperature in January ranges from -100C to +30C. Summer is hot and dry. The average monthly temperature in July varies from +350C to +450C. Autumn is relatively warm and is the season when delicious fruits and vegetables are in abundance in the numerous bazaars (markets). The average annual temperature is 130C.

Tourist seasons
Because of the peculiarity of climate, first half of tourist season falls on spring months: March, April, May, and the second half is in August, September and October. Also there is tourist activity in winter months for the lovers of mountains and winter ports (ski, snowboard).
Public holidays
January 1 - New Year
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 21 - Navruz (Central Asian New Year)
May 9 - Memorial/Remembrance Day
September 1 - Independence Day
October 1 - Teacher's Day
December 8 - Constitution Day.
There are other religious holidays with varying dates:
Ramadan Khait
Kurban Khait