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Earliest known traces of human"s life on the territory of contemporary Uzbekistan had been found in the mountain caves and grottos and are attributed to the end of the Early Palaeolithic Age (Ashel epoch). Monuments of Kul-Bulak in the valley of Angren river and the complex of Uch-Tut in Bukhara district are dated from that period.

A new type of human being - the Neanderthal man - appeared in Central Asia at the Palaeolithic Age (about 100 - 40 thousands years BC). At that period the human had settled down almost throughout the territory of contemporary Uzbekistan. The ancient Palaeolithic sites had been found in Surkhan-Darya region, in Kashkadarya, Fergana and Tashkent province. The burial of a Neanderthal boy had been discovered in the Teshiktash grotto - a striking illustration of presence of some religious beliefs at that time.
The Early Palaeolithic Age (40 - 12 thousands years BC) was a period of modern human being formation - the Cro-Magnon man. At that time the natural habitat of man extended, community flat sites appeared and the quantity and diversity of tools incereased. Stone had become a main material for manufacturing of tools. People started occasional making fire by means of friction.
Rock paintings found in Zarautsay (Surkhan-Darya province) were done in red mineral paint (ochre) and are attributed to the Mesolithic Age (13 - 5 thousands years BC).

By the Neolithic Age (5 - 2 thousand BC) the process of tribe formation had completed and as a result first human families appeared. Archaeological excavations at the site of Djanbaz Kala (Bukhara region) have revealed the remains of large oval-shape dwellings and brass articles of that time.
The Bronze Age has seen exuberant growth in agriculture production unseen before. This had become possible due to human"s bringing of irrigation farming into use.

At the Iron Age the iron metallurgy had become widely spread on the territory of the Southern Uzbekistan and the development of irrigated farming continued. All these factors made for the settlements to become economically stronger.
At the middle of the First Millennium BC the process of class hierarchy formation sped up dramatically resulting in the advent of such ancient states as Khorezm, Sogdiana, Baktriana and Margiana. At the turn of our era first ever transcontinental caravan road (The Great Silk Road) was paved on from China to Mediterranean Sea.
From the middle of the 6th century BC Persian kings of Achaemenid dynasty have spread their rule over a number of states of Central Asia. Their dominance lasted till up to the second half of the 4th century BC when Alexander the Great had conquered the territory of modern Uzbekistan.
The demise of the Great Conqueror happened in 323 BC has resulted in numerous revolts as well as disputes among the Alexander"s associates. And eventually on the bigger part of the territory of Central Asia the Seleucid Empire had formed than followed by the Greek-Baktrian Empire (Baktria) and the Parthia.
For the period from the end of the 1-st century BC up to the middle of the 4-th century AD Central Asia was a part of Kushan Empire This period is characterized by growth of numerous cities, strengthening of trade communications and development of crafts. The ruins of multiple monuments dated to that time still can be seen. At the archaeological site of Dalverzin-tepe monuments of Buddhists culture had been found to demonstrate a unique syncretic culture of Kushan-Baktrian times incorporating the elements of local ancient Baktrian as well as Hellenic, Saka-Scythian and Indian cultures.
The first written reference to the ancient state of Konguiy dates back to the Chinese chronicles of 2nd century BC. The main areas of this state were situated along the river of Sirdarya.

At the middle of the 5th century AC a mighty Kingdom of Hephtalites had established its rule over Central Asia. The new type cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Chach (Tashkent) and alike had started sprawling around the fortresses of local rulers.
The Hephtalite state had collapsed under the onslaught of Turkic tribes (nomads of Altai and Central Asia), which resulted in creation of the vast and amorphous Turkic Khanate. Ancient Turks introduced sophisticated system of taxation and succession of thrown. But interminable feudal strives eventually generated numerous invasions by foreign aggressors attracted with richness of Sogdiana, Bukhara and Khorezm.
In the 7th and especially at the beginning of the 8th centuries the Arabs armies commanded by Kuteiba Ibn Muslim had intruded to the territory of Central Asia. But only in 70 years after Arabs had managed to established their power on all of the territory of contemporary Uzbekistan (called by Arabs as "Mavarounnahr"). The Arabs drastically implanted Islam and eliminated all previous religious cults existed before (Zoroastrism, Manikheism, Buddhism and Nestorian Christianity). The process did not go smoothly causing a number of revolts against Arabs to break up. Most significant rebellion under the command of someone Mukanna had lasted in Sogd for more than 20 years (762-783 AD). Full dominance of Arabs in Mavarounnahr had only been established in the first half of the 9th century AD.
Local Persian dynasty of Samanids had established its independent of Baghdad sway at the end of the 9th c AD. Strong and efficient centralised political system combined with well-organised powerful mercenary army had led to the stabilization of social, economic and political life in the area. This 120-year period, known under the name of "Muslim Renaissance", is characterised by massive construction of new irrigation canals, water reservoirs, intensive ore mining, smelting and trading development. Trading ties with different countries all over the Muslim world considerably expanded and strengthened at that time, many new urban centres, townships and villages appeared, copper craft, weaving and pottery trades developed. "Zandanechi Silk", "Samarkand paper" and "Shash pottery" had become brand names in all Muslim countries. Such great scientists and philosophers as Farobi, Ar-Razi, Avicenna, Beruni and Narshakhi lived and worked at that period.
By the of 11th century a mighty Turkic Kingdom Karakhanids emerged on the territory of Eastern Turkestan (Kashgar in China), which then expanded to include the adjacent regions such as contemporary Eastern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan (without Khorezm).
In the 2nd half of the 10th century the Khorezmian State of Mamanids was successfully trading with Iran, Khazariya and Russia and continued to consolidate. Khorezm then was subdued by the Turkmen of Seldjukids (1044), then by Karakitays (middle of the12th century). Yet by the beginning of the 13th century the Khorezm state again had emerged on the political scene under the sway of Khorezmshah dynasty to become one of the largest kingdoms of the in East. Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khorasan, Azerbaijan, EasternIrak, Western Iran - all this vast area was under control of Muhammad the Khoresmshah.
In 1219 the Tatar-Mongolian hordes of Genghis Khan invaded Mavarounnahr. In 1221 all territory of Central Asia fell prey to the might of Genghis Khan. "All men - into livestock, all settlements - into pastures" that was the motto of the nomadic khan that no one dared to resist. As a result hundred of towns were razed to ground, irrigation systems destroyed and abandoned, hundred of thousands of people enslaved or slaughtered. The rest had to buy their lives by paying enormous contributions to Mongols.
Central Asia has become part of Chagatay Ulus - the vast kingdom run by Chagatay, the son of Genghis Khan. By the middle of the 14th c AD the Mongol Empire has dissolved to a number of feudal possessions.
Taking the advantage of endless internecine wars, Amir Timur (1336-1405), the Turkified Mongol governor of Kesh area (present day"s Shakrisabz) came to power in Mavarounnahr. He made Samarkand his capital in 1370. Firstly Timur (Tamerlane) had strengthened his absolute rule. He consolidated all the his territories remorselessly suppressing all the revolts. Having improved the domestic situation, in 1380 Timur started his permanent 25-years" military campaigns conquering Iran, Caucasus, Iraq, Syria, Asia Minor (Turkey) and Northern India. Timur`s Empire at that time was regarded as most vast and powerful state in the world. The huge amount of wealth that Timur had managed to accumulate was not wasted but, on the contrary, was used to improve the economic stance of his kingdom. It was at that time that his capital Samarkand was fully restored, renovated and marvellous monuments, orchards, palaces, irrigation canals and bridges built.
In 1405 during the preparation for a military campaign to China Tamerlane died and his huge state dissolved to several parts. The bigger part including Khorasan with its capital city of Great was governed by Shakhruh, the son of Tamerlane. And the smaller part including Mavarounnahr (the territory of the present Uzbekistan) Shakhruh entrusted to his son Ulughbek with the capital in Samarkand.
Under the Ulugbek"s rule science and art flourished in Mavarounnahr. Best example of this is the construction of a unique astronomical observatory in Samarkand in 1429. However, orthodox Muslim clergy supported by feudal gentry were positioning themselves against Ulugbek`s cultural and scientific undertakings and eventually, skilfully playing on the antagonism and enviousity existed between Ulughbek and his beloved elder son Abdulatif, had organised a coupe and a murder of Ulghbek in 1449.
After the death of Ulugbek the state continued to decay and dissolved into several smaller parts. At the beginning of the 16-th century the Northern nomadic tribes led by Muhammad Sheibanikhan invaded Maverounnahr ousting the last Timurid ruler Babur from Maverounnahr. Bukhara had become the capital of the Sheibanid state. After some period of stability and economic development the Sheibanid state started gradually was coming to decline giving way to the dynasty of Ashtarhanids. By the beginning of the 18th century endless intestine wars resulted in emerging in Mavevarounnahr of three independent rivalling states: Bukhara Emirate, Kokand Khates (in Fergana valley) and Khiva Khanate (Khoresm).
Three states of Bukhara, Kokand and Khorezm were continuously at war with each other for hegemony in Central Asia. At the 19th century the territory of contemporary Uzbekistan was actually divided between the three.
Each state represented a feudal monarchy with the Khan as king (in Bukhara - Emir). There was an orderly management system in place. All states divided into administrative provinces (viloyats) with local appointed rulers as heads (khakims and beks). The role of Islam had become dominating over all aspects of political, administrative and cultural life as well as everyday behaviour of subjects of the states. Islamic clergy exerted control over each and every sphere of activities of people. International economic ties of that time had become sluggish.
Each of the three state conducted its own isolationistic economic policy based predominantly on agriculture. But pottery making, weaving, arms making as well as handicraft production and primitive mining activities were conducted too. All three states were in brisk trading relations with India, Russia and Kashgar. Such products as hand woven cotton and silks (velvet, brocade), wool carpets, leather goods, cotton fibre and cotton yarn were items of steady demand for export from the countries. Despite endless internecine wars there was no such notion as unemployment as permanent irrigation system improvement and repair provided jobs. At this time the importance of cities in Mavarounnahr increased, towns were growing in number and population and the tendencies of former nomadic tribes to settle to sedentary life became stronger.
In the middle of the 19th century Central Asia has become a focus of two vastly expanding colonial empires: Russia and Great Britain. The strategically advantageous location of Central Asia has made it a bone of contest between the two giants. Central Asia was viewed as a huge commodity market, a source of cheap raw materials and labour. Attracted to this region, Russia has made its first ever attempt of conquering Khiva as early as under the Peter the Great in 1717.
At the beginning of the 1850th Russia started its persistent and systematic advancement deep into Central Asia. In 1847 the mouth of the river Sir-Darya and later in 1853 - the Kokand fortress of Ak-Mechet (nowadays Kizil-Orda in Kazakhstan) were subjugated by Russian troops of general Perovsky. Thus a powerful bridgehead for further advancement had been founded. But the Crimean War (1853-1856) deferred the aggression for some time.
In 1863 Pishpek (nowadays Bishkek) and later in the spring of 1864 the Kokand fortresses of Turkestan and Chimkent had been captured by Russians. Tashkent had been successfully stormed in 1865. One year later in 1866 after seizure of Khodjent, Ura-Tube and Djizzak Russian Tsar Alexander the Second had enacted the Behest to set up the Turkestan General Governoship of Russia in Central Asia.
In 1873 the troops of all three states were smashed down and the Peace Accord with Russia concluded, under which Russia established its protectorate over the conquered territories. In effect all Central Asia had been colonised by Russia.
Immediately Russia had began implementation of its colonial ends, first of all developing of cotton growing industry for the sake of aggressively expending Russia"s textile industry. Construction of Trans Caucasus Railway in 1888 as well Orenburg-Tashkent Railway, Fergana Railway had boosted that process up dramatically. By 1900, 171 industrial companies with Russian capital were set up in Central Asia such as ginning plants, creamery, winery and, partly, metal working shops. Most of them were backed up by Russian banking businesses that become flourishing and ludicrous at that time.
After the October Revolution of 1917 in Russia the power in Turkestan had been taken by Bolsheviks. The process of establishing Soviet power in Turkestan was accompanied by bitter strife of local Mujahitdins (Basmachis) led by warlords against Russian Soviet troops.
In 1918 the Independent (Autonomous) Turkestan Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed in Tashkent as a member of RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic). Its population at that time was 5.2 million.
By 1923 Soviet power was well established on the whole territory of the present Uzbekistan, but the struggle with the Basmachis (members of anti-Soviet movement in Central Asia) continued till the end of 1920th.
In 1924 the USSR had been constituted in Moscow and consequently the National Delimitation Law enacted to set boundaries for the Republics of Central Asia (the present boundaries of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan). Ever since Uzbekistan had became one of the republics of the Soviet Union.
The Soviet period in history of Uzbekistan continued from 1918 till 1991. For this time Uzbekistan turned into a modern state with well developed industry and agriculture, dozens of new towns, factory and other structures built.
After dissolution of the USSR in 1991 Uzbekistan was proclaimed an independent democratic republic. The first President of independent Uzbekistan has been Mr.Islam Karimov.
Over the years of independence, Uzbekistan has become a full-bodied member of many important international political, economical and financial organizations and is paving its own way in the strife for economic reforms aimed at better future for its people. Since independence dozens of new business links were established between Uzbekistan and many developed countries all over the world. In 2001 Uzbekistan has become the only former SU country to bring its real GDP level up to the level preceding independence in 1991.
The multinational country of well-developed infrastructure, highly educated population and huge mineral wealth, with optimism, Uzbekistan sees its future in line with most developed industrial countries of the world.

Political structure of the country:
Current status - Uzbekistan is sovereign democratic republic composed of CIS countries.

Political system: unitary state.

Head of state: The president of the republic of Uzbekistan, elected by democratic elections for 7 years. Current president is Islam Karimov, again elected on 23-th of December in 2007. He is also the prime minister of the cabinet council of the republic of Uzbekistan.

National symbol: national flag, national emblem, national anthem.

National Flag.
On 18-th of November of 1991 republic Of Uzbekistan got new national flag, consisted of 3 horizontal stripes colored in blue, white and green colors. The white stripe is fringed from below and above by red lines. Width and length ratio is two parts to one.There are white half-moon and 12 white stars on the blue stripe. The blue color in the flag symbolizes sky and water as two most important sources of life! Besides, blue color is age-old color of Turkic nation which Uzbek people belong to. The blue color was the color of the banner of the ancient Central Asian state with capital in Samarkand, with great famous Tamerlane (Amir Temur) as head in end of XIVc. and in the beginning of XV c. Thereby, the blue stripe is the symbol of vital power of the republic and sign of the historical succession. The white stripe is the traditional symbol of peace, wishing the good way (ok yul) and tendency to the moral cleanness of intentions and actions.
The green color is the color of nature, new life (“Navruz” holiday) and fertility. Also green color is the color of Islam. First appearance of this color has ancient history, when Central Asia in VIII c AD became as part of Arab caliphate, extended from France till China. Red stripes, framed middle (white) stripe from below and above emphasize the vital power of each living organism. This power links our kind, clear thoughts with everlasting sky with real actions at the earth. Besides, these two stripes are considered as “blood vessels”, nourished earth, which are Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers.
Young half-moon at the flag of Uzbekistan symbolizes new young born Muslim republic. Twelve stars in flag usually considered by all nations as symbol of cloudless sky. Clear sky is peace, light and prosperity. Honoring of the twelve stars reminds about sunny year, beginning from Navruz- the time when spring stars. The names of all months of this year (Khamal, Sovr, Djavza, Saraton, Asad etc) are at the same time the names of 12 zodiacal constellations in the sky.
It’s important to note, that symbols of 12 stars have nothing common with religious sects and senses.
According to the star’s catalogue of Ulugbek (he great statesman and astronomer of XV c.) the movement of the Sun along the sky is exactly determined with location of 12 stars. This sunny cycle of 12 years is calling “Muchal”. According to the ideas of the oriental philosophers the number of 12 is indicator of comprehensive and perfection. It is assumed that world consists of 4 elements: earth, air, water and fire, which acting in 3 levels: in earth, at the sky and between sky and earth. Four elements multiplied on the 3 levels are giving the number of 12, enveloping universe.
That’s why 12 stars in the flag we should understand as symbolic intention to the perfection. In directions of Mirsand Barak philosopher and in the work of famous historian Khondemir is telling about 12 the most important rules, which should be used in managing of the country. They are truthfulness, justice, political correctness, morality, prowess, devotion and other person"s best qualities.

National Emblem
National Emblem of Uzbekistan developed with account of centuries-old national and state experience and traditions. The low about “National Emblem of Republic of Uzbekistan” was accepted in 2-d of July of 1992 year at the 10-th session of the Supreme Soviet of the republic of Uzbekistan.
There is Khumo-bird with extended wings in the centre, which in Uzbek mythology means happiness and love of freedom.Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi called Khumo as the kindest from all live creatures! There is octahedron at the top of the national emblem, which symbolize asseveration of the republic and half-moon with the star. Image of sun symbolize light, illuminating the way of the Uzbek state.
Two rivers, painted below the bird- are Amy Darya and Syr Darya, run at the Uzbekistan territory.
Ears of wheat are the symbols of bread and stalks with the opened cotton bolls symbolize the main riches of Uzbekistan. Ears of wheat and cotton bolls together tangled with band of the national flag be characterized by consolidation of the nations, living in Uzbekistan.

National anthem
The low about national anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was accepted on the 10-th December of 1992 at the 11-th session of the Supreme Soviet of the republic of Uzbekistan.

The music: Mutal Burkhanov
The words: Abdulla Oripov

Serquyosh, hur o‘lkam, elga baxt, najot,
Sen o‘zing do‘stlarga yo‘ldosh, mehribon!
Yashnagay to abad ilmu fan, ijod,
Shuhrating porlasin toki bor jahon!
Oltin bu vodiylar - jon O‘zbekiston,
Ajdodlar mardona ruhi senga yor!
Ulug‘ xalq qudrati jo‘sh urgan zamon,
Olamni mahliyo aylagan diyor!
Bag‘ri keng o‘zbekning o‘chmas iymoni,
Erkin, yosh avlodlar senga zo‘r qanot!
Istiqlol mash’ali, tinchlik posboni,
Haqsevar, ona yurt, mangu bo‘l obod!
Oltin bu vodiylar - jon O‘zbekiston,
Ajdodlar mardona ruhi senga yor!
Ulug‘ xalq qudrati jo‘sh urgan zamon,
Olamni mahliyo aylagan diyor!

English translation

My sunny free land, happiness and salvation to your people,
You are a warmhearted companion to your friends!
Flourish forever with learning and creativity,
May your glory shine as long as the world exists!
These golden valleys – dear Uzbekistan,
The courageous spirit of your ancestors is with you!
When the great power of the people raged,
(You were) the country that charmed the world!
The faith of an open-hearted Uzbek does not die out,
The young free generation is a strong wing for you!
Beacon of independence, guardian of peace,
Lover of truth, motherland, flourish forever!
These golden valleys – dear Uzbekistan,
The courageous spirit of your ancestors is with you!
When the great power of the people raged,
(You were) the country that charmed the world!

Language: Uzbek language is the state language with Latin graphic. Russian language is the international mean of communication for more than 80 % of people. The most signboards and indicators made by Cyrillic.
Religion: The greatest part of the local people professes Islam. The most Muslims living here are Sunnites, but this religion isn’t state. There are many religious organizations, supporting different confessions (Christianity: orthodoxy, Catholicism, Baptist doctrines, Presbyterianism; Adventists of the 7-th day; Judaism; Krishna worship; church of Gen-Khyan etc. ). In general the people are tolerant with mutual respect.
The national monetary unit: is sum (there are the notes in 100, 200, 500, 1000 sum in circulation)
There are many exchange offices in republic.

Embassies and consular departments of Uzbekistan:
There are more than 30 embassies and consular departments at the territory of Asian and European countries and also in USA.

Administrative-territorial system:
The common area of Uzbekistan : 447,8 thousand km2 (almost the same area has Morocco and Sweden). Length from north till south is 930 km, from west till east - 1425 km.

Geographical location: the north hemisphere, central part of the Central Asia, between 2 big rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya. In north it border upon Kazakhstan, in northeast – upon Kyrgyzstan, in southeast-upon Tajikistan, in south – with Afghanistan in southwest- upon Turkmenistan.

Climatic conditions: because Uzbekistan restricted by mountain range of Tien-Shan in southeast from the warm Indian Ocean and nothing covers it in north from the northern air mass from the Arctic Ocean, climate here is acutely continental. The big influence to the forming the weather conditions of Uzbekistan make the form of relief and location of the biggest part of the territory in 100-200 meters above sea level.
There are 4 different climatic zones: desert (till 400 meters above sea level), piedmont (from 400 till 1200 m.), mountain (from 1200 till 2800 m.), and mountain pasture- zone of the high-altitude meadows!
The winter (according to the summary of the 2008 year) could be the trying ordeal for the most part of the local people: - 20 degrees of frost and abundant precipitation that aren’t the nature of Uzbekistan.
Some years the temperature of +5+8 degrees is considered as normal. The spring is like rescue for the heat-loving Uzbekistan people, the weather is waking up and blossom, there is everywhere the spirit of the Navruz holiday and temperature is constantly from +10 till +25.
The hardest time is the period from 25-th of June till 5-th of August, calling here as “Chillya”.
There is almost no precipitation and the temperature is till 40-45 degrees this time in Uzbekistan.
After “Chillya” period the heat is falling and become pleasant sunny atmosphere during the closest
2-2,5 months. Some years could stay the dry weather with sparing heat and godsend coolness.

Administrative division of Uzbekistan: there are twelve regions here (Andijan, Bukhara, Djizak,Kashkadariya, Navoi, Namangan, Samarkand, Syrdariya, Tashkent, Fergan, Khorezm) and one autonomic republic (Kara-Kalpak).
Population: 25 981 600 people, density of 50, 1 person for one square meter.
Capital: Tashkent
time zone:
GMT + 5 hrs (winter time).
GMT + 4 hrs (summer time).

Custom formalities:
All arriving to Uzbekistan should arrange the following documents – custom declaration in double : crossing the border foreigner should declare all valuable , bringing in country (jewelers, currency, techniques) and keep second declaration till second crossing the Uzbek border with stamp of custom service. It is possible to bring without declaration not more than 4000 USD by cash.

National holidays:
1-st of January – New Year.
8-th of March – International Women’s Holiday.
21-st of March - Navruz ( Muslim’s New Year).
9-th of May - Memorial Day.
1-st of September – Independence Day.
1-st of October – Teacher’s day.
8-th of December - Constitution Day.
There is official day off work at the mentioned days. Ramazan-khait (depuration holiday after 30-day fast ) and Kurban-khait (the holiday of sacrifice and charity to the needy) holidays are also day off work. There are also unofficial holidays, which support different levels of people and they get easing at the schedule of work (like Easter and Parent’s day ).

International dialing code:
For the work and home telephones:
+7 Uzbekistan.
3712 Tashkent.
3662 Samarkand.
365 Bukhara.
36237 Khiva.

For the mobile operators:
+7 10 998 93 Coscom U Cell.
+7 10 998 98 Perfectum Mobile.
+7 10 998 90 Unitel Beeline Uzbekistan.
+7 10 998 97 MTS Uzbekistan.

Today Uzbekistan with its numerous ancient monuments, rich nature, and the present-day rapid progress attracts the whole world`s attention. For centuries the country was at the intersection of the Great Silk Road routes along which merchants, geographers, missionaries, and later tourists traveled. It is striking how the history, traditions and cultures of the nationalities populating the present-day Uzbekistan have been entangled with the history of Great Silk Road.

Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrizabs, where cultural and spiritual values had been long since concentrated, outstanding scientific centers and schools were established, architecture, craftsmanship, and applied art were flourishing, played the role of main urban centres. Creative work and various scientific achievements of the local scientists, thinkers, and poets have proved to be a valuable contribution to the development of the world civilization. Abu Ali ibn Sino, al-Khorezmiy, Mirzo Ulugbek, Bakhouddin Nakshband, al-Bukhoriy, at-Termeziy, Abu Raikhon Beruniy, Alisher Navoiy - this is but a short list of names of prominent figures of Uzbekistan.

Main remarkable sights and sites of Uzbekistan

Tashkent

Tashkent, the famous Central Asian city has been existing for over two thousand years at the border of agricultural oases of Central Asia and vast Eurasian steppes. Named “Chach” in the ancient times, present-day capital of Uzbekistan was not so large and historically significant in comparison with its southern neighbors - Samarkand and Bukhara. The site of present Tashkent has been populated for many thousand years. Divine greenery of Tashkent oasis, spreading along the bank of small but full-water river Chirchik, attracted people since Lithic age. Chirchik flows out of Chimgan mountains (western spurs of Tien-Shan mountain land; in fair weather they can be clearly seen from Tashkent) into great Central Asian river Syrdarya.

Samarkand

Samarkand is an amazing, multifarious, unique city. For years of its history it repeatedly changed names, here numerous dynasties of rulers shifted by generations, it was built, destroyed, burnt, rebuilt, etc. So, this city survived whatever this varicolored and famous capital of Orient had fated to, the city admired by Tamelane, where Ulugbek, his descendant, wrote his works on astronomy. This city, with tremendously beautiful, mysterious and unique combination of tranquility with oriental temperament, can impress its visitors for years with only most pleasant and unforgettable memories, full of colors, and feeling of admiration to ancient Central Asian architects who created such a magnificent center of the world, with incomparable beauty and grace.

Bukhara

Bukhara - amazing city of the planet, you can hardly find another city similar to it. Every year crowds of tourists from different corners of the world come here to witness living history fixed in stones of numerous monuments of medieval architecture having passed through centuries to bring us enjoy and tell about life, culture, interests of both ordinary people and upper rulers-khans, emirs, officials. Bukhoro-i-Sharif or Noble Bukhara have been special, in all meaning of this word, cultic oriental city for centuries up to present. Most interesting city in the world, writers and poets always called the city Saint Bukhara, Land of Islam, the pillar of religion. All these names related to religious significance of Bukhara for the whole Muslim community.

All citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan (within 60 days) and Kazakhstan could cross the boarder of Uzbekistan without Uzbekistan visa, because Uzbekistan has signed bilateral agreement about regime with no visa required with countries of CIS, excepting Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Citizens of Russian should cross the boarder by international passport (issued for foreign travel, as opposed to internal passport). Citizens of other countries should obligatory obtain Uzbekistan visa. Visa of the republic of Uzbekistan is arranged on the base of Invitation Letter (VSL / visa support letter, LOI / letter of invitation).
Below you will find the list of countries which citizens can get Uzbekistan visa directly without Invitation Letter at the consular department of the Uzbek embassies:

1. Austria,
2. Belgium,
3. Great Britain,
4. Germany,
5. Spain,
6. Italy,
7. Latvia,
8. Malaysia,
9. France,
10. Switzerland,
11. Japan,
12. USA.

To obtain tourist Uzbekistan visa invitation letter is arranged by Tourist Company, which in that case is inviting side. To arrange invitation letter it is necessary to send us the following details not later than in one month before your trip:

• Full name ( Mr /Mrs ________ )
• Citizenship
• Date & place of birth (Please indicate country and city of birth)
• Passport number, date of issue and date of expire
• Home stay (full address and telephone number)
• Place of work and occupation (this issue should include name of organization, city of its location, full address and telephone and your working position)
• Place of receiving the visa (country where is the embassy of Uzbekistan or where is convenient for you to get the visa)
• Periods of your staying in Uzbekistan
• Passport copy (scan of your passport of good quality)

Uzbekistan tourist visa could be get at the consular department of the Uzbek embassy. Please, look through the list of the countries where Uzbekistan embassy is located. In case there is no Uzbek embassy in your country you can get Uzbekistan visa in one of the neighboring countries where Uzbekistan embassy is located or at the consular department of the Tashkent International Airport.
To obtain Uzbekistan visa foreign citizens should apply the following documents to the consular department of Uzbekistan embassy:

-passport with expiration date exceeding the expiration date of the visa not less than in three month;
- filled set application form in duplicate
-2 (two) photos of passport standard.

To obtain transit Uzbekistan visa foreigners with mentioned above documents also should apply the visa of the state where you follow with confirmed date of the departure from Uzbekistan till that country.
The request for getting Uzbekistan visa in that case is under MFA consideration for 3 work days. Usually request is under consideration of the MFA of Uzbekistan for 7-10 work days. In case of urgency the term of consideration is 3 work days, but the tariff of the visa increases in 50 %.
Visa-free regime is set for the terms within 90 days for the diplomatic passport holders of the following countries:
1. Hungary
2. Rumania
3. Slovakia
4. Turkey
Accredited officials of the diplomatic missions of the international organizations could stay without visa at the territory of the Sides during the whole period of working.
There is visa free regime with Rumania and Slovakia for the service passport holders within 90 days of staying.
Uzbekistan and Japan in the base of mutual foundation give visas without getting consular fees.

The following tariffs of the consular fees for the Uzbek visas are set by the legislation of Republic of Uzbekistan:

а) for the single-entry visas:

- Within 7 days - 40 US $;
- within 15 days - 50 US$;
- within 30 – 60 US$;
- within 3 month - 80 US $;
- within 6 month - 120 US$;
- within 1 year - 160 US $.

Note: with each additional multiplicity of the visa the tariff increases in 10 US$.

b) for multiple visas:
- Within 6 month - 150 US $;
- within 1year - 250 US $.

c) transit visas:
- Within 24 hrs - 20 US $;
- within 48 hrs - 25 US $;
- within 72 hrs – 30 US $;
- for the double-entry transit visa - 40 US $.

d) for the group visa (with not less than 10 persons in group, excluding children younger than 16 year):
- within 15 days - 15 US $/person;
- within 30 days - 25 US $/person.

For the visa arrangement it is also possible to pay fees on account of compensation of the actual expenses. The tariff of those fees depends on the place of visa arrangement (regardless of citizenship of the applicant).
Note: there could be another order of Uzbek visa arrangement for the citizens of some countries , having corresponding bilateral agreements.