Official Name: Republic of Uzbekistan
Short Name: Uzbekistan
Capital: Tashkent
Area: 447,000 sq.km.
Population: 26.7 million (1 January 2007 estimate)
Anthem: Stand Tall, My Country. Written by Abdulla Oripov
Religions: Muslim 88 per cent (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9 per cent, Others 3 per cent
Languages: Uzbek 74.3 per cent, Russian 14.2 per cent, Tajik 4.4 per cent, Others 7.1 per cent
Uzbekistan was annexed by Russia in the late 19th century. In 1918, the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR), including Uzbekistan, was established. However, the Soviets withdrew from the region due to opposition from the nationalist Basmachi movement, the White Army and a British force. Soviet rule was again established in September 1919. The Khanates of Bukhara and Khiva became independent Soviet republics in 1920 and in 1924 and were incorporated into the Turkestan ASSR. The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) was established in October 1924. In 1936, Karakalpakstan was transferred to Uzbekistan from the Russian federation. The Communist Party of Uzbekistan (CPU) became the ruling party. In August 1991, Uzbekistan declared independence from the USSR and was renamed as the Republic of Uzbekistan. Direct presidential elections were held for the first time in December 1991. Islam Karimov won more than 85 per cent of the votes and was elected as President. A new constitution of Uzbekistan was adopted on 8 December 1992. The Constitution provided for a 250 member legislature called Oly Majlis (Supreme Assembly). In February 1995, a new political party, the Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan was officially registered. In the presidential elections held in January 2000, Karimov secured more than 90 per cent votes and was elected for another five-year term.
Government Type: Presidential with a Unicameral Legislature.
State Head & Government Head: President
State Head Name: Islam Karimov
Uzbekistan has a strong Presidential form of government and most powers are concentrated in the office of the President. The Cabinet of Ministers is appointed by the President with approval of the Supreme Assembly. The President is elected by popular vote for a five year term. The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister are appointed by the President.
The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a radical islamist militant outfit is seeking to overthrow the Uzbek government and establish an Islamic regime. It is involved in terrorist attacks on Uzbek soil including bomb attacks in 1999 and 2000.
The Ferghana Valley dispute involving Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. All the three countries lay claim to the valley and no concrete negotiations have taken place to resolve the issue. The IMU is based in the Ferghana valley and its camps are located in the mountainous tracts of Tajikistan.
Uzbekistan maintains the largest army in the region with the total strength of around 55,000. There is a conscription service of 18 months. Uzbek military equipment and hardware is largest in the region with 2 Corps Headquarters, 420 Main Battle Tanks, large number of artillery, guns and other ammunition. Uzbekistan maintains the largest internal security force in the region with an estimated strength of 17,000. This is to counter the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), a militant outfit that is involved in acts of terrorism on Uzbek soil. A Motor Rifle Division of Uzbekistan is deployed in Tajikistan.
| Economy of Uzbekistan | ||
|---|---|---|
| GDP (PPP) | $62.27 billion (2007 est.) | |
| GDP growth | 7.3% (2006) | |
| GDP per capita (PPP) | $2,200 (2007 est.) | |
| Inflation | 3.7% (2004), 7.8% (2005), 6.8% (2006) | |
| Labor force | 14.8 million (2006) | |
| Employed in the economy | 10.5 million (2006) | |
| Foreign Trade | ||
| Exports | $6.4 billion (2006) | |
| Imports | $4.4 billion (2006) | |
| Public debt | 24.1% of GDP (2007 est.) | |
| Revenues | $6.584 billion (2007 est.) | |
| Expenses | $6.652 billion (2007 est.) | |
Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country. Nearly 10 per cent of its land consists of intensively cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60 per cent of its population lives in densely populated rural communities. Rice, grain, vegetables and fruits are the main agricultural products. The industrial sector includes mining, manufacturing, construction and power. Uzbekistan is the world's third largest cotton exporter and a significant producer of gold and oil. Its chemical and machinery products have a dominance in the region.The Uzbek government, in the post 1991 period, has sought to maintain the command economy with more subsidies and greater control on production and prices. But growing inflation forced the government to move in the direction of economic reforms with financial assistance from international financial institutions. Uzbekistan is the largest single market in Central Asia. The annual GDP growth rate is around 2.1 per cent and the per capita income is around $ 2,400.
The Government Of Uzbekistan Website The English version of the website is under construction.
Uzbekistan National News Agency The website provides daily news about Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region.
Uzbek DailyThe website provides daily news, information and links to other sites on Uzbekistan.
The Times of Central AsiaAccess to this website is by subscription and it has extensive coverage of all Central Asian states.