Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic.

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country known for its ancient history, beautiful architecture and diverse culture. Once part of the USSR, today the country is an independent nation with much to interest those who plan to travel within its borders. These 44 facts about Uzbekistan will divulge many of the country’s highlights.

Uzbekistan is the most popular of the five former Soviet republics in Central Asia with 26 million inhabitants. The Russians and Tajiks account for 10%, 3% Kazhiks and ethnic Uzbeks are about 80%.

Once part of the ancient Persian Empire, what is now known as Uzbekistan was conquered in the fourth century B.C. by Alexander the Great.

During the eighth century invading Arab forces dominated the area and converted the nomadic Turkic tribes living there to Islam.

The coordinates for Uzbekistan are 41.0000° N, 69.0000°

Uzbekistan is landlocked and borders Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

The official name of the country is the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The official language is Uzbek.

It is the 56th largest country in the world by area with 447,400 square kilometers (172,700 square miles).

Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It’s known for its many museums and its mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture.

Football is the most popular sport in Uzbekistan.

The average life span in Uzbekistan is 70 years.

Uzbekistan grows vegetables, fruits, cotton and grain and rears livestock. Its industry popular consists of food processing, textiles, metallurgy, machine building and natural gas.

In A Majority-Muslim Country, Vodka Is Hugely Popular

Islam Struggles With Authoritarianism

Freedom Of The Press Doesn’t Exist

The Legendary Conqueror Tamerlane Was Born In Uzbekistan

Hosts a key US airbase and is an ally of Washington in the war on terrorism.