Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia, Asia with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Uzbekistan that most people don't know.
Uzbekistan's Samarkand was once the second-most-important city in the Islamic world after Mecca, and a key hub of the ancient Silk Road. The city's Registan Square is considered one of the most beautiful public spaces ever built.
Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.
Samarkand was the capital of Tamerlane's empire and a jewel of the Silk Road.
Uzbekistan is the world's 5th largest cotton producer.
The Aral Sea, once one of the world's largest lakes, mostly dried up in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan's Samarkand was once the second-most-important city in the Islamic world after Mecca, and a key hub of the ancient Silk Road. The city's Registan Square is considered one of the most beautiful public spaces ever built.
Uzbekistan is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
Three magnificent 15th–17th century madrasas forming one of the world's most stunning squares
A UNESCO living museum — a 2,500-year-old city whose centre has barely changed in centuries
A UNESCO perfectly preserved medieval desert city enclosed within ancient mud-brick walls
Once the world's 4th largest lake — a haunting landscape of rusting ships in a dried-up seabed
Uzbekistan's Samarkand was once the second-most-important city in the Islamic world after Mecca, and a key hub of the ancient Silk Road. The city's Registan Square is considered one of the most beautiful public spaces ever built.
The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent.
Uzbekistan has a population of approximately 35.6M.
The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek.
Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991.
Uzbekistan uses the Som (UZS).