The Republic of Uzbekistan lies in the heart of Asia, in the territory known since ancient times as Bactria, Maverannahr, and later on as Turkestan. The powerful Kushan Empire and the Kingdom of the Seleucids, the Parthian Kingdom and the Kingdom of Kharazm, the state of the Samanids and Tamerlane, the Bukhara Emirate and the Qoqand Khanate once flourished in this region. The cities of Samarkand and Bukhara served as major centers of trade and enlightenment on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road linking the civilizations of the East and the West.

Official Name: Republic of Uzbekistan

Political System: Type:Republic

Legal System: Constitution adopted December 8, 1992

Capital:Tashkent

Executive body: President - the head of State and Government

Highest legislative body: Oliy Majlis - Supreme Convention (National Parliament)

Judicial body: Supreme Court

Geography: Area:447,400 sq. km/173.00 sq. mi.

Population:25.000.000 persons

Official language: Uzbek

Average annual growth rate: 2.5%

Family size: 5.5 persons

Median age: 23.9. About 50°/o are under age 19

Religion:Predominant religion - Sunni Muslim. There are 14 other confessions.

Transportation:Highways - 80 000 km, Railways -6700km

Administrative subdivisions: Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 violoyats (regions), 162 districts and 118 cities and towns.