Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia. It does not touch any sea or ocean. The country has deserts, mountains, and green river valleys. Long ago, Uzbekistan was on the Silk Road, a famous trade route that connected China to Europe. Its cities like Samarkand and Bukhara are full of old buildings with bright blue tiles.

Silk Road Cities

Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are very old cities. Traders from many lands stopped there hundreds of years ago. The cities have beautiful mosques, markets, and towers. Many buildings are covered with shiny blue and turquoise tiles. Today, these cities are popular places for visitors to explore. Each city feels like stepping back in time.

Land and People

Most of Uzbekistan is dry, with deserts like the Kyzylkum. The country grows lots of cotton and fruits. Melons from Uzbekistan are known to be very sweet. People speak Uzbek and often Russian too. Families enjoy plov, which is a rice dish with meat, carrots, and onions. Making handwoven carpets and silk cloth is an old tradition.

Fun Facts

• Samarkand is one of the oldest cities still lived in today.
• Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.
• Plov is the national dish of Uzbekistan.

Did You Know?

A doubly landlocked country is surrounded only by countries that are also landlocked, and Uzbekistan is one of just two in the world.