Uzbekistan

I

Introduction

Uzbekistan, republic in Central Asia, bordered on the west and north by Kazakhstan, on the east by Kyrgyzstan, on the south-east by Tajikistan, and on the south by Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. It was formerly the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Uzbekistan includes the Karakalpakstan Autonomous Republic (Qoraqalpoghiston), which occupies about 37 per cent of Uzbekistan’s territory. Uzbekistan’s land area totals about 447,400 sq km (172,700 sq mi). Toshkent is the capital and chief industrial and cultural centre.

II

Land and Resources

Uzbekistan’s terrain is composed primarily of plains, such as the Turan, which occupy about four fifths of the republic’s territory. Branches of the Tian and Pamir mountains rise in the east and north-east, with the highest elevation in the republic reaching 4,643 m (15,234 ft). Earthquakes, such as the one that destroyed large portions of Toshkent in 1966, are not uncommon. The north-central part of the republic is occupied by the Kyzyl Kum, the second-largest desert in the former USSR and one of the largest deserts in the world.

A

Rivers and Lakes

Most of Uzbekistan’s rivers drain internally or dissipate before reaching a terminal body of water. The two largest rivers, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, flow into the Aral Sea. They have been heavily tapped for irrigation and, as a result, the area of the Aral Sea has declined sharply in recent decades with severe environmental damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Extensive canal systems, such as the Amu-Bukhara, Qarshi, Southern Golodnaya Steppe, and Great Fergana canals, have greatly altered hydrologic flow patterns. The republic contains many large artificial lakes and reservoirs, such as Lake Aydar, which is fed by irrigation run-off water.

B

Climate

The climate is desert continental; temperatures fluctuate greatly over the course of a year. Average daily temperature in January ranges from -6° to 2° C (21.2° to 35.6° F), and in July from 26° to 32° C (78.8° to 89.6° F). Precipitation is scant, and irrigation is necessary for crop cultivation, except along mountain slopes.