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Country's codes

International phone code for Uzbekistan: +998

Standard ISO 3166-1:

    3 letters: UZB

    2 letters (internet domain): .UZ

    Digital country code: 860

Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 478

Olympic country code Olympic country code: UZB

FIFA code: UZB

Uzbekistan Travel Guide

Registan Samarkand Uzbekistan Khiva Old City Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations and a historic heart of the Silk Road. The country is famous for magnificent Islamic architecture, ancient trading cities, and colorful bazaars. Travelers visiting Uzbekistan can explore beautifully preserved cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, where centuries of history come alive.
RegionCentral Asia
Famous forSilk Road cities
Best time to visitApril – June, September – October
CurrencyUzbekistani Soʻm (UZS)
Why visit Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan offers travelers an unforgettable journey through Silk Road history. Its cities are filled with blue-tiled mosques, grand madrasas, ancient markets, and impressive monuments that reflect centuries of trade and cultural exchange between East and West.

Top Attractions in Uzbekistan

Registan Square, Samarkand

One of the most famous landmarks in Central Asia, Registan Square is surrounded by magnificent Islamic madrasas decorated with intricate blue mosaics.

Bukhara Old City

This UNESCO World Heritage site features more than 140 historic monuments including mosques, fortresses, and medieval caravanserais.

Khiva Itchan Kala

The ancient walled city of Khiva feels like an open-air museum filled with minarets, palaces, and centuries-old architecture.

Tashkent

Uzbekistan’s modern capital blends Soviet-era architecture with historic Islamic landmarks and lively markets.

Best Places to Visit

  • Samarkand – A legendary Silk Road city famous for its stunning monuments.
  • Bukhara – A historic city with beautifully preserved Islamic architecture.
  • Khiva – A UNESCO-listed walled city rich in cultural heritage.
  • Tashkent – Uzbekistan’s modern capital and transportation hub.
  • Fergana Valley – Known for traditional crafts and fertile landscapes.
Travel Tip: Uzbekistan has recently made travel easier for international visitors with visa-free entry or simplified e-visa options for many nationalities.

Things to Do in Uzbekistan

  1. Explore historic Silk Road cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara.
  2. Visit ancient mosques and madrasas decorated with turquoise tiles.
  3. Shop for handmade carpets, ceramics, and textiles in local bazaars.
  4. Experience traditional Uzbek cuisine such as plov and samsa.
  5. Travel across the desert landscapes by train between major cities.
Local Experience: Uzbek cuisine is rich and flavorful. Popular dishes include plov (rice with meat and vegetables), lagman noodles, and freshly baked bread called “non.”

Travel Tips for Visitors

  • Spring and autumn are the best seasons due to comfortable weather.
  • Uzbekistan has an excellent high-speed train network connecting major cities.
  • Respect local traditions when visiting mosques and religious sites.
  • Cash in local currency is useful for markets and small shops.

Useful Country Information

Useful country information

Total area: 172,741 sq mi (447,400 sq km)

Population (2023 est.): about 36 million

Capital and largest city: Tashkent, approximately 2.9 million

Capital City
Tashkent: Capital City Profile

Other major cities: Namangan; Andijan; Samarkand; Bukhara

Monetary unit: Uzbekistani soʻm (UZS)

National name: Oʻzbekiston Respublikasi (Republic of Uzbekistan)

Current government officials

Languages: Uzbek (official); Russian widely used; Tajik spoken in some regions

Ethnicity/race: Uzbek majority with Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, Karakalpak, and other ethnic groups

Religions: Islam (mostly Sunni) majority, Eastern Orthodox and other minorities


Background:

Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1925.
During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry.
Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves.
Current concerns include insurgency by Islamic militants based in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, a non-convertible currency, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.


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