The country is one of the world's biggest producers of cotton and is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas and gold. Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south and Turkmenistan to the southwest. However, economic reform has been slow and poverty and unemployment are widespread. In 1991 Uzbekistan emerged as a sovereign country after more than a century of Russian rule - first as part of the Russian Empire and then as a component of the Soviet Union. Positioned on the ancient Great Silk Road between Europe and Asia, the majestic cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, famed for their architectural opulence, once flourished as trade and cultural.
Uzbekistan is the most populous Central Asian country and has the largest armed forces.The country's political system is highly authoritarian, and its human rights record widely decried.
Since independence, the country has faced sporadic bombings and shootings, which the authorities have been quick to blame on Islamic extremists.
Since independence, the country has faced sporadic bombings and shootings, which the authorities have been quick to blame on Islamic extremists.
At the same time, relations with Moscow became less warm, with Uzbekistan in 2009 criticising plans for a Russian base in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan..
President Karimov's uncompromising policies have also at times created friction between Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, and Uzbekistan has been wary of moves towards closer political integration.
