The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Uzbekistan expanded 5.30 percent in the first quarter of 2019 over the same quarter of the previous year. GDP Annual Growth Rate in Uzbekistan averaged 7.63 percent from 2006 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 9.80 percent in the third quarter of 2007 and a record low of 3.60 percent in the first quarter of 2006.
Growth in the communication, construction, mining, and some service sectors remained strong through the third quarter. However, growth in sectors that produce goods that can be traded internationally, mainly agriculture and manufacturing, which are especially important for creating jobs, show little sign of pick up. Slow growth in these sectors seems to reflect intermediate input bottlenecks, such as energy and water shortages, as well as land degradation, pests, and bad weather conditions in the case of agriculture. Stronger efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) are needed to stimulate growth in sectors producing internationally traded goods.
Wages in Uzbekistan increased to 1453.20 UZS Thousand/Month in 2017 from 1294 UZS Thousand/Month in 2016. Wages in Uzbekistan averaged 1263.53 UZS Thousand/Month from 2011 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 1549.60 UZS Thousand/Month in 2015 and a record low of 921.30 UZS Thousand/Month in 2011.
About 600 years later at the end of 2018, the Republic of Uzbekistan finally secured its place in the credit rating universe by becoming the 133rd country rated by Standard & Poor's (S&P) and the 117th rated by Fitch, two of the three main credit rating agencies.
In Uzbekistan, the inflation rate measures a broad rise or fall in prices that consumers pay for a standard basket of goods. This page provides - Uzbekistan Inflation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Uzbekistan Inflation Rate - actual data, historical chart and calendar of releases - was last updated on April of 2019.
| Actual | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Dates | Unit | Frequency |
| 14.30 | 14.40 | 14.40 | 2.40 | 2006 - 2018 | percent | Yearly |
Unemployment Rate in Uzbekistan decreased to 6.90 percent in 2018 from 7.20 percent in 2017. Unemployment Rate in Uzbekistan averaged 7.80 percent from 1991 until 2018, reaching an all time high of 8.30 percent in 1996 and a record low of 6.30 percent in 1992.
Uzbekistan first applied for WTO membership in 1994, but is now taking an active approach to accession. Uzbekistan received observer status in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in June 1994. The working inter-ministerial committee on accession to WTO was formed in 1998.
At the end of November 2017, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that the country resumed work on joining WTO.
1. Foreign investors can get consultations, business registration and other legal assistance from UZ info Invest agency, which operates as a branch of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, or from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan on a contractual basis. These agencies provide investors with consulting services, as well as information and analysis support.
2. Foreign ownership and control are prohibited for airlines, railways, power generation, long distance telecommunication networks, and other sectors deemed to be related to national security. Foreign nationals cannot obtain a license or tax permission for individual entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan.
3. All land in Uzbekistan is owned by the state. Uzbek and foreign private entities may own buildings, but not the land on which they are built. Foreign entities and individuals may lease land.
4. The Law on Denationalisation and Privatisation (1991) lists state assets that cannot be privatised, including: land with mineral and water resources, the air basin, flora and fauna, cultural heritage sites, state budget funds, foreign and gold reserves, state trust funds, the central bank, enterprises that facilitate monetary circulation, military and security-related assets and enterprises, firearms and ammunition producers, nuclear research and development enterprises, some specialized producers of drugs and toxic chemicals, emergency response entities, civil protection and mobilisation facilities, public roads and cemeteries.
5. Foreign investment in media enterprises is limited to 30%. In finance, foreign investors may operate only as joint venture partners with Uzbek firms, and banks with foreign participation face minimum fixed charter funding requirements (EUR10 million for commercial banks, EUR5 million for private banks, and EUR1.5-6 million for insurance companies – equivalent to USD10.7 million, USD5.3 million, and USD1.6-6.4 million respectively), while the required size of charter funds for Uzbek firms is set on a case-by-case basis.
6. As of September 2018, the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) investment portfolio in Uzbekistan amounted to USD49.6 million and is in the financial and textile sectors. In addition, the IFC’s advisory services are provided to assist the country in its plans to privatise state-owned enterprises (SOEs), improve the cotton sector, developing and diversifying the financial market, and investments renewable energy sources.
Customs clearance is a complicated process in Uzbekistan and even capital equipment imports are subject to substantial processing delays. To minimize the effect of these problems, many firms contract for pre-shipment inspections (PSI). Excessive documentation requirements make customs clearance a costly and time-consuming process. In the absence of a system of pre-arrival clearing and systematic risk analysis, the customs clearance process in Uzbekistan requires physical inspection of all consignments.
The customs clearance process normally occurs in the territory where the customs authority is located. However, if requested by the party concerned, customs clearances can be conducted in other locations. The Customs Code of Uzbekistan stipulates that customs formalities are to be performed within ten days after receipt of the customs declaration and other necessary documents. Goods may be declared by a person/legal entity moving/transferring the goods or by a customs broker. The person/entity that declares the goods must fulfill all obligations and carries full responsibility provided under the legislation, regardless of whether this person/entity is the importer or customs broker. A customs broker is a legal entity in Uzbekistan that conducts customs clearing operations on behalf of the person/entity that it represents.
Uzbekistan adopts the continental legal system in which Parliament (“Oliy Majlis”) is the sole authority authorised to establish laws. There is no court precedent doctrine in Uzbekistan and, therefore, court decisions tend to be regarded as recommendations only. A new Tax Code entered into force from 1 January 2008 in an attempt to develop a fairer tax system, ease the tax burden on businesses, simplify tax procedures, encourage saving and investment and promote economic development in the country. With the adoption of the new Tax Code, the main taxes applicable to investor activity are:
• corporate income tax;
• individual income tax;
• value added tax;
• excise duties;
• property tax;
• obligatory contributions to non-budget funds;
• land tax;
• tax withheld at the source of payment from non-residents’ income;
• other duties and payments.
Residence — An entity is resident in Uzbekistan if it has completed state registration procedures.
Basis — Resident companies are subject to profit tax on their local and worldwide trading income and other taxable income such as interest, royalties and rental income. Profit tax also is levied on the Uzbekistan-source income of non-residents operating through a permanent establishment. Non-commercial organisations are generally exempt from profit tax, except on profit derived from entrepreneurial activities. The gross revenue of micro-firms and small businesses is subject to simplified (unified) taxation regulations, replacing profit tax, VAT (voluntary), property tax, land tax, social infrastructure development tax, and national road, school development and pension fund contributions. Mining operations and related processing are subject to mining tax and excess profits tax (for specified items), and special fees (“subscription bonus”, which is a one-off fixed payment for exploration and extraction rights and a “commercial exploration bonus,” which is payable for each commercial exploration of a location).
Taxable income — Taxable income comprises business and investment income and is calculated as the difference between aggregate income and deductible expenses. In general, expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes are deductible. For other income sources, expenses may be deducted provided they are incurred wholly and exclusively in the generation of income.
Taxation of dividends — Dividends paid to residents and non-residents with a permanent establishment in Uzbekistan from profit that has been subject to Uzbekistan tax are exempt from profit tax (by way of a deduction from taxable income). Profit tax is not imposed on income derived from state securities.
Capital gains — Capital gains are treated as ordinary income and are subject to the standard profit tax rate. However, a capital gains tax liability arises only when the gain is attributed to the sale of shares for a higher price.
Losses — Losses (which should be based on financial year results) may be carried forward for five years (except for losses incurred while the taxpayer was exempt from profit tax). However, total losses carried forward in each subsequent year may not exceed 50% of taxable income for the current tax period. Losses may not be carried back.
Rate — The general profit tax rate is 7.5%, with a 15% rate applicable to banks. In addition to general profit tax, non-residents with a permanent establishment in Uzbekistan pay net profit tax at 10% on their net income. The unified tax rate is 6%. However, the rate differs for a number of industries. For example, IT, construction, publishing companies, and industrial enterprises pay 5%, while entertainment companies and companies with lease income (more than 60%) derived from the rent of sales outlets at 30%. Different rates have been set for trading and catering companies. The unified tax rate is lower for companies established in remote regions.
Surtax — No.
Alternative minimum tax — Individual entrepreneurs are subject to alternative minimum tax at rates ranging between 0.04 and 10 times the monthly minimum salary per month, depending on the type of activities.
Foreign tax credits — Foreign profit tax paid by an Uzbekistan resident company may be credited against Uzbekistan profit tax in accordance with an applicable tax treaty. Payment notification, a certificate from foreign tax authorities or other document confirming payment of foreign profit tax is regarded as acceptable proof to receive the credit.
Holding company regime — No.
Incentives — Legal entities engaged in specific activities may be granted a temporary exemption from profit tax, property tax, certain social infrastructure taxes, unified tax payments and obligatory road fund payments. Additionally, companies expanding general production capacity, reconstructing industrial structures, modernising production facilities and equipment, etc., may be eligible to reduce their taxable base by deducting expenses incurred for five years.
Guaranteeing by the state of freedom of economic activity and entrepreneurship, equality and legal protection of all forms of property enshrined in our Constitution is the basis for ensuring the rights of business, effective implementation of ongoing economic reforms. Adopted laws along with the legal regulation of the business sphere serve to ensure the rights and interests of entrepreneurs. For a relatively short historical period, business entities as an integral part of the national economy have become a leading force in solving economic and social issues, developing industry and sphere of services, ensuring a prosperous life for people. Creation of favorable conditions for doing business in our country, simplification of procedures in this process contribute to the growth of the number of small business entities that are conducting successful activity in all sectors of the economy. At present, there are 11,1 small business entities for every 1000 people. This indicator is much higher than in the CIS countries. In this aspect, effectiveness of ongoing reforms and newly adopted laws, which are confirmed by the data of the most authoritative international economic and public centers, can be also noted. For example, Uzbekistan currently ranks the 44th place among 158 countries of the world and the first among the CIS countries according to the “World index of happiness”.
Doing Business Index (The World Bank)
the World Bank Group conducts an analysis every year in the sphere of “Doing business” and in its report published on October 27 on “Doing business 2016: assessing the quality and effectiveness of regulation”, Uzbekistan has risen 16 positions compared to the last year – from the 103rd to the 87th place among 189 countries.
Major Trade Partners: (Uzbekistan official statistics, 2017)
China, 18.5%
Russia, 17.9%
Kazakhstan, 7.7%
Turkey, 5.7%
.S., 0.8%
Uzbekistan has signed bilateral agreements on the avoidance of double taxation, though the United States considers its 1973 U.S.-USSR tax treaty as in force regarding Uzbekistan, while the Uzbek government does not. Uzbekistan also has treaties providing most-favored-nation treatment with more than 45 countries. Several agreements, including those with Iran, Japan, and the United States, have not yet entered into force (U.S.-Uzbekistan agreements on trade relations, including most favored nation status, and on encouraging and reciprocally protecting investment, were completed in 1994 but never ratified by the United States.). In 2014, Uzbekistan joined the CIS Free Trade Zone Agreement.
The Index is part of the World Bank Group’s Human Capital Project, which recognizes human capital as driver of inclusive growth. In addition to the Index, the Human Capital Project includes a program to strengthen research and measurement on human capital, as well as support to countries to accelerate progress in human capital outcomes.
No data available.
Uzbekistan is divided into 12 regions (viloyatlar, singular – viloyat, viloyati in compound, e.g. Toshkent viloyati), 1 autonomous republic (respublika, respublikasi in compound, e.g. Qaraqalpaqstan Avtonom Respublikasi), and 1 independent city Toshkent shahri. The regions in turn are divided into 160 districts (tumanlar, singular tuman).
East
Andijan Region (Uzbek: Andijon viloyati/Андижон вилояти) is a region of Uzbekistan, located in the eastern part of the Fergana Valley in far eastern Uzbekistan. It borders with Kyrgyzstan, Fergana Region and Namangan Region. It covers an area of 4,200 km2. The population is estimated to be around 2,756,400, thus making Andijan Region the most densely populated region of Uzbekistan. Andijan Region is divided into 14 administrative districts. The capital is the city of Andijan. The climate is a typically continental climate with extreme differences between winter and summer temperatures.
Natural resources include deposits of petroleum, natural gas, ozokerite and limestone. As with other regions of Uzbekistan, it is famous for its very sweet melons and watermelons, but cultivation of crops can be accomplished exclusively on irrigated lands. Main agriculture includes cotton, cereal, viticulture, cattle raising and vegetable gardening.
Industry includes metal processing, chemical industry, light industry, food processing. The first automobile assembly plant in Central Asia was opened in Asaka in Andijan Region by the Uzbek-Korean joint venture, UzDaewoo, which produces Nexia and Tico cars and the Damas minibus.
Southwest
Bukhara Region (Uzbek: Buxoro viloyati/Бухоро вилояти) is a region of Uzbekistan located in the southwest of the country. The Kyzyl Kum desert takes up a large portion of its territory. It borders Turkmenistan, Navoiy Region, Qashqadaryo Region, a small part of the Xorazm Region, and the Karakalpakstan Republic. It covers an area of 39,400 km2. The population is estimated at 1,543,900, with 71% living in rural areas.
Buxoro Region is divided into 11 administrative districts. The capital is Bukhara (pop. est. 241,300 at the end of 2005). Other major towns include Olot, Karakul, Galaosiyo, Gazli, G‘ijduvon (pop. 40,600 end of 2005), Kogon (pop. 53,500, end of 2005), Romitan, Shofirkon, and Vabkent.
The climate is a typically arid continental climate.
The old city of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous as a "living museum" and a center for international tourism. There are numerous historical and architectural monuments in and around the city and adjacent districts.
Buxoro Region has significant natural resources, especially natural gas, petroleum, graphite, bentonite, marble, sulfur, limestone, and raw materials for construction. The most developed industrial activities are oil refining, cotton ginning, textiles, and other light industry. Traditional crafts such as gold embroidery, ceramics, and engraving have been revived. Bukhara Region is the center of karakul sheep breeding and production of karakul pelts in Uzbekistan.
East
Fergana Region (Uzbek: Farg‘ona viloyati, Russian: Ферганская область) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan, located in the southern part of the Fergana Valley in the far east of the country. It borders the Namangan and Andijan Regions of Uzbekistan, as well as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It covers an area of 6,800 km2. The population is estimated to be around 2,597,000, with over 71% of the population living in rural areas. Fergana Region is divided into 15 administrative districts. The capital is the city of Fergana.
Fergana Region has a typically continental climate with extreme differences between winter and summer temperatures.
Agriculture is the main economy activity of Fergana Region, primarily irrigated cotton, sericulture, horticulture, and wine. Animal husbandry concentrates on meat and milk production.
Natural resources include deposits of petroleum, ceramic clays, and construction materials.
Industry is primarily based on oil refining, fertilizer and chemical production, textile and silk weaving, light industry, clothing and ceramics. The area is also a center for the production of traditional Uzbek handicrafts, especially pottery.
Center/East
Jizzakh Region (Uzbek: Jizzax viloyati, Жиззах вилояти) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan. It is located in the center/east of the country. It borders with Tajikistan to the south and south-east, Samarqand Region to the west, Navoiy Region to the north-west, Kazakhstan to the north, and Sirdaryo Region to the east. It covers an area of 20,500 km². The population is estimated to be around 910,500, with some 80% living in rural areas.
The regional capital is Jizzakh (pop est 127,500 inhabitants). Other major towns include Dustlik, Gagarin, Gallyaaral (Gallaorol), Pakhtakor, and Mardjanbulak. Jizzakh Region was formerly a part of Sirdaryo Region but was given separate status in 1973.
The climate is a typically continental climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
The economy of Jizzakh Region is primarily based on agriculture. Cotton and wheat are the main crops, and extensive irrigation is used. Natural resources include lead, zinc, iron, and limestone. Uzbekistan and China are working together to jointly establish a Special Economic Zone in the region. This high-tech industrial park will be formally established by March 2013. The China Development Bank will provide a $50 million loan to finance several of the joint projects in the construction, agro-industrial and mechanical engineering sectors.
The region has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with over 2500 km of surfaced roads.
The Zaamin National Park, formerly Guralash Preserve, on the western slopes of the Turkestan Range and known for its unique fauna and flora, is also within the region.
Wildlife is extremely rich here; in spring and in summer, alpine meadows are with a multitude of colors: bright-red tulips and snow-white acacias. In autumn the hills are magnificently decorated with the gold-colored domes of the hazelnut trees, columns of birch-trees, towering plane trees, and green thickets. High in the mountains, in the upper part of the Garalashsay gorge, is a nesting-place of black storks. These rare birds are the pride and joy of Uzbekistan. They are written down in the "Redbooks" in many countries as an endangered species. Early in the spring when the Amasay depression is flooded, flocks of ducks, wild geese, pelicans and grey herons are found here. This territory serves as a nesting place for rose-coloured starlings, shrikes, and sandpipers.
Northwest
Xorazm Region (Uzbek: Xorazm viloyati, Хоразм вилояти) or Khorezm Region as it is still more commonly known, is a viloyat (region) of Uzbekistan located in the northwest of the country in the lower reaches of the Amu-Darya River. It borders with Turkmenistan, Karakalpakstan, and Bukhara Region. It covers an area of 6,464 square kilometres (2,496 sq mi). The population is estimated to be around 1,776,700, with some 80% living in rural areas.
View of the central market area of Urgench from the fifth floor of the Hamkor Bank building. In the background the blue and white building of the "Gipermarktes", the largest shopping centre in Urgench.
Khorezm Region is divided into 10 administrative districts. The capital is Urgench (pop est 135,000). Other major towns include Xonqa, Khiva, Shovot, and Pitnak.
The climate is a typically arid continental climate, with cold winters and extremely hot, dry summers.
The city of Khiva in Khorezm Region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with world-famous architectural monuments, making Khiva one of the main centers for international tourism in the country.
The economy of Khorezm Region is primarily based on cotton. Cotton is by far the main crop, although rice production has increased significantly in the last several years. (though the Uzbek government discourages rice production near to deserts, over water usage concerns) There are also many orchards and vineyards, melon and gourd plantations and potato fields. Khorezm Region is famous for its "gurvak" melon in Uzbekistan. Industry is also heavily oriented to cotton, with cotton refining, cottonseed oil extraction and textiles predominating.
Khorezm is a place where many famous scholars were born, such as Abu Rayhan Biruni and al-Khwārizmī. The famous terms algorithm and algebra come from the works of the latter. Algorithm is a modified spelling of Khwārizmī and algebra derives from his famous work "al-jabr wa-l-muqābala".
The region has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with over 130 km of railways and 2000 km of surfaced roads. The region is connected by rail to European Russia and the Caucasus.
East
Namangan Region (Uzbek: Namangan viloyati/Наманган вилояти, Russian: Наманганская область, Namanganskaya oblast) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan, located in the southern part of the Fergana Valley in far eastern part of the country. It is on the right bank of Syr Darya River and borders with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tashkent Region, Fergana Region, and Andijan Region. It covers an area of 7,900 km2. The population is estimated to be around 2,530,000, with over 62% of the population living in rural areas.
The great river Syrdarya, the main waterway in Central Asia, starts in the territory of Namangan. Syrdarya is formed from inflows of the rivers Norin and Kora Darya.
The Namangan region is very rich in various natural resources. In particular, the region extracts oil in Mingbulak District and big gold and diamond deposits have been discovered in Kasansay and Pap Districts.
There are also large deposits of uranium, silver, aluminum, tungsten, iron, copper, granite, and marble, among others.
There are two big mountain tunnels connecting the Fergana valley with the inner city area and other regions of the country, located in the territory of Namangan.
North/northwest
Navoiy Region (Uzbek: Navoiy viloyati) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan. It is located in the central north/northwest of the country. The Kyzyl-Kum desert takes up a large portion of its territory, which is the largest of the regions of Uzbekistan (the autonomous Karakalpakstan Republic is still larger at 160,000 km2). The Navoiy region borders with Kazakhstan, Samarqand Region, Buxoro Region, Jizzakh Region, and the Karakalpakstan Republic. It covers an area of 110,800 km2. The population is estimated to be around 932,793 (2008), with some 60% living in rural areas. The region is named after Ali-Shir Nava'i.
Navoiy region is divided into 8 administrative districts. The capital is Navoiy (pop est 128,000). Other towns include Kyzyltepa, Nurata, Uchkuduk, Zarafshan, and Yangirabad.
The climate is a typically semi-desert continental climate.
Navoiy region has significant natural resources, especially natural gas, petroleum, and precious metals, plus raw materials for construction. The region's economy is heavily dependent on large mining, metallurgical and chemical production complexes. The Navoi and Zarafshan mines produce some of the world's purest gold.
Leading agricultural products are cotton and Karakul sheep. Some 90% of the entire area is considered potentially rich agricultural land, if a source of water for irrigation can be located.
South-East
Qashqadaryo Region (Uzbek: Qashqadaryo viloyati, Қашқадарё вилояти) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan, located in the south-eastern part of the country in the basin of the Qashqadaryo River and on the western slopes of the Pamir-Alay mountains. It borders with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Samarqand Region, Bukhara Region and Surxondaryo Region. It covers an area of 28,400 km². The population is estimated to be around 2,067,000 (2007), with some 73% living in rural areas.
The regional capital is Karshi (Qarshi) (pop est 177,000 inhabitants). Other major towns include Beshkent, Chirakchi (Chiroqchi), Guzar (G‘uzor), Kitab, Koson, Myrishkor, Muborak, Kamashi (Qamashi), Shahrisabz, Shurbazar, and Yakkabog.
The climate is a typically arid continental climate and partly semi-tropical.
Natural resources include significant petroleum and natural gas reserves, with the Mubarekh Oil and Gas Processing Plant as the region’s largest industry. Other industry includes wool processing, textiles, light industry, food processing and construction materials. Major agricultural activities include cotton, various crops and livestock. The irrigation infrastructure is very well developed with the large Tollimarjon reservoir as a reliable water source.
The region has a well-developed transport infrastructure, with over 350 km of railways and 4000 km of surfaced roads.
Center
Samarqand Region (Uzbek: Samarqand viloyati) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan. It is located in the center of the country in the basin of Zarafshan River. It borders with Tajikistan, Navoiy Region, Jizzakh Region and Qashqadaryo Region. It covers an area of 16,773 km². The population is estimated to be around 3,651,700, with some 75% living in rural areas.
Samarqand Region was established on January 15, 1938, and is divided into 14 administrative districts.[2] The capital is Samarqand (pop est 368,000 inhabitants). Other major towns include Bulungur, Juma, Ishtikhon, Katta-Kurgan, Urgut, and Oqtosh.
The climate is a typically arid continental climate.
Samarkand is the second-largest center for economy, science, and culture in Uzbekistan, after Tashkent. The Institute of Archeology at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan is based at Samarqand. The region's UNESCO World Heritage Site architectural monuments are world famous, and make Samarkand the largest center for international tourism in the country.
Samarqand Region also has significant natural resources, including construction materials such as marble, granite, limestone, carbonate, and chalk. The region's major agricultural activities are cotton and cereal growing, winemaking and sericulture. In terms of industry, metal processing (spare parts for automobiles and combines), food processing, textiles, and ceramics industries are the most active in the area.
The region has a well-developed transport infrastructure, with over 400 km of railways and 4100 km of surfaced roads. The telecommunication infrastructure is also well developed.
Center
Sirdarya Region (Uzbek: Sirdaryo viloyati, Сирдарё вилояти) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan, located in the center of the country on the left bank of Syr Darya River. It borders with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Tashkent Region, and Jizzakh Region. It covers an area of 4,276 square kilometres (1,651 sq mi), and is mostly desert, with the Starving Steppe taking up a significant part of the region's area. The population is estimated to be around 803,100.
Syrdaryo Region is divided into 9 administrative districts. The capital is the city of Guliston (pop. est. 54,000 inhabitants). Other cities and towns include Baxt, Boyovut, Farhod, Qahramon, Sayhun, Sirdaryo, Khavast, Shirin and Yangiyer.
The climate is a typically arid continental climate with extreme differences between winter and summer temperatures.
The economy is based on cotton and cereal crops, with strong reliance on irrigation and on cattle breeding. Minor crops include forage plants, vegetables, melons, gourds, potatoes, maize, a variety of fruit and grapes. Industry consists of construction materials, irrigation equipment and raw-cotton processing.
Syrdarya contains one of Uzbekistan's largest hydroelectric power plants, which generates one third of the country's electricity.
Southeast
Surxondaryo Region (Uzbek: Surxondaryo viloyati, Сурхондарё вилояти), old spelling Surkhandarya Region is a viloyat (region) of Uzbekistan, located in the extreme south-east of the country. Established on March 6, 1941, it borders on Qashqadaryo Region internally, and Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan externally, going anticlockwise from the north. It covers an area of 20,100 km². The population is estimated at 1,925,100 (end of 2005 data), with 80% living in rural areas. According to official data, 83% of the population are Uzbeks and 1% Tajiks, but non-official statistics show Surxondaryo is a Persian-speaking area, because most Tajiks of Uzbekistan are concentrated in the Surxondaryo, Samarkand and Bukhara regions. The highest point of the Region and also of Uzbekistan is Khazrati Sulton peak reaching 4,643 m/15,233 ft in Gissar Range.
The regional capital is Termez with population of 122,900 and the second largest city is Denov (Denau) with 69,500 inhabitants (data for 2005). Other towns include Boysun, Jarkurghon, Kumkurghon, Shargun, Shirabad, Shurchi, and Sariosiyo.
The climate is continental, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. The southern part of the region is in the Badkhiz-Karabil semi-desert ecoregion (PA0808), characterized by a savanna of pistachio and desert sedge. The northern portion is characterized by open woodlands (Gissaro-Alai open woodlands ecoregion, PA1306), with characteristic plants being pistachio, almond, walnut, apple, and juniper. Sagebrush is common at lower elevations.
Natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Light industry, mainly cotton ginning and food processing, is also an important part of the regional economy, particularly in the production of consumer goods. Agriculture is based primarily on cotton and cereals, supplemented with horticulture and viticulture. Surxondaryo is the country's largest supplier of long-fiber cotton. Livestock accounts for 40% of regional agricultural product. The climatic conditions of this region also make it possible to cultivate subtropical crops such as sugarcane.
The region has a well-developed transport infrastructure, with 300 km of railways and 2,700 km of surfaced roads. Central Asia's only river port is located at Termez on the Amudarya River.
Agriculture accounts for 42% of total employment in Surxondaryo Region and produces 8% of Uzbekistan’s agricultural output. Agricultural production is 56% crops and 44% livestock (like the country’s average). Milk yields are less than 1,700 kg per cow per year, on a par with the national average.
Northeast
Tashkent Region (Uzbek: Toshkent viloyati, Тошкент вилояти) is a viloyat (region) of Uzbekistan, located in the northeastern part of the country, between the Syr Darya River and the Tien Shan Mountains. It borders with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Sirdaryo Region and Namangan Region. It covers an area of 15,300 km². The population is estimated to be around 4,450,000.
Tashkent Region is divided into 15 administrative districts. From 2017, the administrative centre is Nurafshon. Other cities are Angren, Olmaliq, Okhangaron, Bekabad, Chirchiq, Gazalkent, Keles, Parkent, Yangiabad, and Yangiyo‘l.
The climate is a typically continental climate with mild wet winters and hot dry summers.
Natural resources include copper, brown coal, molybdenum, zinc, gold, silver, rare earths, natural gas, petroleum, sulfur, table salt, limestone, and granite.
Toshkent Region is the most economically developed in the country. Industry includes energy production, mining, metallurgy, fertilizers, chemicals, electronics, textiles, cotton purification, food processing and footwear.
Toshkent Region also has a highly developed agricultural industry, based primarily on irrigation. The main crops are cotton and hemp, but cereals, melons and gourds, fruit and vegetables and citrus fruits are increasing. Livestock is also important.
The region has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with over 360 km of railways and 3771 km of surfaced roads. Tashkent has a large international airport, which is the main air gateway to the country.
Chatkal National Park, with mountains and forests, is located within Tashkent Region.
Northwest
Karakalpakstan (Karakalpak: Qaraqalpaqstan / Қарақалпақстан; Uzbek: Qoraqalpogʻiston), officially the Republic of Karakalpakstan is an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan. It occupies the whole northwestern end of Uzbekistan. The capital is Nukus (Noʻkis / Нөкис). The Republic of Karakalpakstan has an area of 160,000 square kilometres (62,000 sq mi).
Karakalpakstan is now mostly desert and is located in western Uzbekistan near the Aral Sea, in the lowest part of the Amu Darya basin. It has an area of 164,900 km² and is surrounded by desert. The Kyzyl Kum desert is located to the east and the Karakum Desert is located to the south. A rocky plateau extends west to the Caspian Sea.
The economy of the region used to be heavily dependent on fisheries in the Aral Sea. It is now supported by cotton, rice and melons. Hydroelectric power from a large Soviet-built station on the Amu Darya is also important.
The Republic of Karakalpakstan is formally sovereign and shares veto power over decisions concerning it with Uzbekistan. According to the constitution, relations between Karakalpakstan and Uzbekistan are "regulated by treaties and agreements" and any disputes are "settled by way of reconciliation". Its right to secede is limited by the veto power of Uzbekistan's legislature over any decision to secede. Article 74, chapter XVII, Constitution of Uzbekistan, provides that: "The Republic of Karakalpakstan shall have the right to secede from the Republic of Uzbekistan on the basis of a nationwide referendum held by the people of Karakalpakstan."
The Amu Darya delta was once heavily populated, and supported extensive irrigation based agriculture for thousands of years. Under the Khorezm, the area attained considerable power and prosperity. However, the gradual climate change over the centuries, accelerated by human induced evaporation of the Aral Sea in the late 20th century has created a desolate scene in the region. The ancient oases of rivers, lakes, reed marshes, forests and farms are drying up and being poisoned by wind-borne salt, and by fertilizer and pesticide residues from the dried bed of the Aral Sea. Summer temperatures have risen 10 °C (18 °F) and winter temperatures have decreased by 10 °C (18 °F). The rate of anemia, respiratory diseases, and other health problems has risen dramatically.
Northeast
Tashkent (/ˌtæʃˈkɛnt/; Uzbek: Toshkent, Тошкент, Russian: Ташкент) is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, as well as the most populated city in ex-Soviet Central Asia (though the larger urban centers of Urumqi in China and Kabul in Afghanistan lie well within the geographic region of Central Asia) with a population in 2018 of 2,485,900. It is located in the north-east of the country close to the Kazakhstan border.
Tashkent is the capital of and the most cosmopolitan city in Uzbekistan. It was noted for its tree-lined streets, numerous fountains, and pleasant parks, at least until the tree-cutting campaigns initiated in 2009 by the local government.
Tashkent is situated in a well-watered plain on the road between Shymkent and Samarkand. Tashkent sits at the confluence of the Chirchiq River and several of its tributaries and is built on deep alluvial deposits up to 15 metres (49 ft). The city is located in an active tectonic area suffering large numbers of tremors and some earthquakes. The local time in Tashkent is UTC/GMT +5 hours.
Tashkent features a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa) with strong continental climate influences (Köppen: Dsa). As a result, Tashkent experiences cold and often snowy winters not typically associated with most Mediterranean climates and long, hot and dry summers. Winters are cold and often snowy, covering the months of December, January and February. Most precipitation occurs during these months which frequently falls as snow. The city experiences two peaks of precipitation in the early winter and spring. The slightly unusual precipitation pattern is partially due to its 500 m (roughly 1600 feet) altitude. Summers are long in Tashkent, usually lasting from May to September. Tashkent can be extremely hot during the months of July and August. The city also sees very little precipitation during the summer, particularly from June through September.