20 Interesting Facts About Uzbekistan
- 1Double-landlocked country
Uzbekistan is one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world (the other is Liechtenstein). This means it's surrounded entirely by landlocked countries. - 2Tashkent – the capital
Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia, known for its Soviet architecture, modern buildings, and vibrant bazaars. - 3Rich Silk Road history
Uzbekistan was a key part of the ancient Silk Road, hosting major trade cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. - 4Samarkand – UNESCO site
Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Islamic architecture and historical monuments. - 5Plov – national dish
The national dish is plov (or pilaf), a flavorful mix of rice, meat, carrots, and onions. There are over 200 types of plov! - 6Language
The official language is Uzbek, a Turkic language. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas. - 7Uzbek hospitality
Uzbeks are known for their warm hospitality. Guests are traditionally treated with great respect and generosity. - 8World’s oldest Quran
Tashkent holds one of the oldest Qurans in the world — the Uthman Quran, dating back to the 7th century. - 9No ocean access
Uzbekistan is one of the few countries in the world that is completely landlocked and also does not border any seas or oceans. - 10Desert landscape
About 80% of Uzbekistan is made up of deserts and semi-arid land, primarily the Kyzylkum Desert. - 11Navruz – Spring festival
Uzbeks celebrate Navruz, the Persian New Year, on March 21st, marking the beginning of spring with dances, music, and special foods. - 12Registan Square
Located in Samarkand, Registan Square is one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by three majestic madrasas. - 13Traditional clothing
Traditional Uzbek clothes feature bright patterns and colors, often made from ikat silk and cotton fabrics. - 14Cultural diversity
Uzbekistan is home to over 130 ethnic groups, including Uzbeks, Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and more. - 15Tea culture
Green tea is the national drink and is offered to guests almost everywhere. Uzbeks typically drink tea without sugar. - 16Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in Central Asia, full of spices, dried fruits, and handmade goods. - 17Cotton capital
Uzbekistan is one of the world's largest producers of cotton, sometimes called "white gold" in the country. - 18No McDonald's!
As of now, Uzbekistan has no McDonald’s, KFC, or Starbucks, making it unique among many modern countries. - 19Ancient cities
Cities like Khiva, Bukhara, and Shakhrisabz are over 2,000 years old, filled with Islamic art, minarets, and ancient fortresses.
