President Ilham Aliyev's interview with Uzbekistan's National Information Agency has rekindled interest in this country. Uzbekistan is one of the largest and most populous states in Central Asia. The country attracts attention with its geographical location, rich natural resources, and historical cities.
So, what interesting features distinguish Uzbekistan from other countries?
Modern.az presents 10 interesting facts about the brotherly country.
1. Uzbekistan has no access to the sea, and neither do its neighbors
Uzbekistan is one of only two "doubly landlocked" countries in the world. This means that the country itself has no access to the sea, and all its neighbors are also landlocked states. The other such country is Liechtenstein in Europe.
2. The country borders 5 states
Uzbekistan borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Interestingly, it is the only Central Asian state that borders the other four Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
3. Uzbekistan is home to one of the world's largest gold mines
The Muruntau gold mine, located in the country's Kyzylkum Desert, is one of the world's largest open-pit gold mines. The mine reaches approximately 3.3 kilometers in length, nearly 3 kilometers in width, and 600 meters in depth. According to NASA, more than 2 million ounces of gold are produced here annually.
4. Uzbekistan is one of the world's leading countries in gold production
Gold is one of Uzbekistan's main export products. The country is among the largest gold producers in the world, and the Muruntau deposit is of particular importance in this field.
5. The Aral Sea is one of the biggest environmental problems Uzbekistan faces
The Aral Sea, located in Uzbekistan, was once one of the world's largest lakes. Starting in the 1960s, as river waters were mainly diverted for irrigation, the sea rapidly shrank, and a large part of it turned into a desert.
6. Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia
Uzbekistan's population is over 38 million, making it the most densely populated country in Central Asia. The country's population is greater than that of each of the other four states in the region.
7. Uzbekistan is one of the 60 largest countries in the world by area
The country's territory is approximately 449 thousand square kilometers. With this indicator, Uzbekistan ranks 56th among the countries of the world.
8. The country has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Previously, lists about Uzbekistan showed five UNESCO sites. Currently, the country has seven sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These include Samarkand, the historic center of Bukhara, Itchan Kala in Khiva, the Western Tian-Shan, and the "Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor" which was added to the list in 2023.
9. Cotton, gas, gold, and uranium play an important role in the country's economy
Natural resources and agriculture play an important role in Uzbekistan's economy. The country is one of the leading states in the region in the production and export of gold, natural gas, uranium, cotton, and other raw materials.
10. Uzbekistan is a crossroads of ancient civilizations and great empires
The territory of modern-day Uzbekistan has been under the influence of various states and empires throughout history. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva have been important stops on the Silk Road for centuries and are still considered the country's main historical and cultural symbols today. UNESCO presents Samarkand as a "Crossroads of Cultures."
