Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

The most populous Central Asian country, Uzbekistan became a sovereign country after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. This land-locked country became a part of Russia in the late 19th century. Its land was poisoned due to extensive production of cotton undertaken by the Soviet rule. After independence the country is developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Terrorism by Islamic militants remains a matter of concern to the country which has been targeted by the international community for its human rights abuse.

Travel overview
Though Uzbekistan became independent in 1991 from the Soviet rule, it has transform from a dour outpost of the USSR into a viable nation. The capital Khiva is an atmospheric city, punctuated with mosques, tombs and palaces. Two other major cities, Samarkand, a medieval town, and and Bukhara, a city redolent of silk merchants and intrigue, are worth a day or so each. Bukhara is a charming city, known for a labyrinth of clay houses, medieval palaces and mosques, mausolea, minarets and beautiful gardens.