Uzbekistan

Abstract

Uzbekistan is a remote, arid, land-locked country to the east of the Caspian, being sandwiched between Turkmenistan to the south and Kazakhstan to the north. The Aral Sea in the northern part of the country is a saline inland sea lacking an outlet. It is drying up and has become heavily polluted by pesticides and nutrients from agricultural activities in the watershed of the rivers that drain into it. Mountainous country develops to the southeast, with the highest peak rising to 4,300 m. The intervening valleys, including especially the Fergana Valley, are fertile, being cultivated with the help of irrigation canals. These valleys hold most of the population as well as the major towns, including the historic city of Tashkent. The population of 28.5 million is predominantly made up of devout Sunni Muslims. The economy is dominated by the production of cotton and gold. The country also possesses one of the largest military establishments in Central Asia with some 65,000 troops under arms.