The most powerful Kushan Empire and the Kingdom of Seleucids, the Parthian Kingtom and the Kingdom of Kharazm, the state of Samanids and Tamerlane, the Bukhara Emirate and Qoqand Khanate once flourished in this region. The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva served as major centers of trade and education on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road linking civilization of the East and the West.

On the 31st of August 1991 the Parliament of the Republic proclaimed the independence of Uzbekistan. After acquiring independence, Uzbekistan choose peace-loving democratic policy and launched the reforms to develop market economy and entered international economic society as a full member.

Ancient and yet contemporary, Uzbekistan is famous for the hospitality of its inhabitants, cordially welcoming everyone coming to this land of beauty and wealth. There are many unique places and worth discovering for everyone in every part of the Republic.

Location: Central Asia
Area: 447,000 km2
Population: 23,358,000
Government type: Republic
Capital: Tashkent
President: Islam Karimov
Currency: 1 som = 100 tiyin

Holidays in Uzbekistan:
January 1 - New Year
March 8 - Women's Day
March 21 - Navruz (New Year)
May 9 - Day of Remembrance and Honor
September 1 - Independence Day
October 1 - Teacher's Day
December 8 - Constitution Day