Geography 
Uzbekistan, officially the Republic of Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia, with a total area of 447 400 square kilometers. It is the 56th largest country in the world by area and the 42nd by population (32 768 725, 2019 estimate). Among the CIS countries, it is the 4th largest by area and the 2nd largest by population.
 
Uzbekistan is bordered by five landlocked countries: Kazakhstan to the north (2330 km), Kyrgyzstan to the northeast (1314 km), Tajikistan to the southeast (1312 km), Afghanistan to the south (144 km), and Turkmenistan to the southwest (1793 km).
 
The Republic of Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, after being part of the former Soviet Union since 1924, and it has begun its transition to a market economy. Uzbekistan is a presidential republic, and conducts presidential and parliamentary elections on a regular basis.
 
Uzbekistan is divided into twelve provinces (Andijan, Bukhara, Djizzak, Fergana, Kashkadarya, Khorezm, Namangan, Navoi, Samarkand, Surkhandarya, Syrdarya, Tashkent), one autonomous republic (Republic of Karakalpakistan), and one independent city (Capital city Tashkent).
 
There is a half dozen functional languages in Uzbekistan, the most useful being Russian. The "national" tongue is, in theory, Uzbek, though there are large minorities in the country who speak their own languages from day to day: Tajik and Kazakh are the most salient examples. Knowing a few words of Russian can be extremely helpful.
 
Best Time to Visit 
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when nature reveals all its beauty, pleasant weather allows to see all the beauty of the country. During such periods, you will have the opportunity to taste the juiciest fruits.
Winter in Uzbekistan: Winter in Uzbekistan starts quite early; the weather becomes colder and most of the period passes in a dry climate. The temperature drops to minus and over time the trees are covered with snow. The main destinations to visit during this period are mountains and ancient sights with a calm atmosphere.
Spring in Uzbekistan: The time has come for the prosperity of the country, trees and flowers bloom, the hills are covered with greenery and clear water from the mountains flows into the rivers. Traditional holidays begin and the sun begins to warm the country. The temperature is approximately 15-20°C.
Summer in Uzbekistan: Summer in Uzbekistan is very hot, the temperature reaches +40°C and even higher. On sunny days it will be difficult to go outside due to the dry climate. Most people go outside in the evening when the temperature drops. Usually, the best destinations to visit during the summer are lakes and mountains.
Autumn in Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan turns to gold in autumn, the temperature is very pleasant for a walk and it often rains. The temperature is approximately 10-20°C. Many types of fruits ripen at this time of the year. There is a chance to watch how nature goes into hibernation.
 
Dress Code 
There is no required dress code for travelers in Uzbekistan. If you travel in spring or autumn, you will be more comfortable in warm coats, windbreakers and sweaters. If you plan to travel to Uzbekistan during the winter, make sure to pack the winter essentials: warm, waterproof, fleece-lined boots big enough to wear with heavy wool socks, hat, waterproof gloves and thermal long underwear. During the summer hat, sunglasses, light shoes, sun blocks and light-colored cotton clothes are recommended. Shoes should be comfortable and provide support for walking on dry and sandy ground. Before entering some religious buildings, you will have to take off your shoes. Women may need to cover their heads with a scarf.
 
Health & Safety 
In case of illness or accident while traveling, purchase comprehensive travel health insurance that includes coverage for medical costs, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.
Bring enough prescription medication with you for the duration of your vacation. Keep a copy of your prescription on you at all times, and make sure all of your prescriptions are in the original, labeled containers. Pack a basic medical kit with items like pain relievers, antidiarrheal medications, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medical supplies you might require.
Drink only bottled or boiling water; stay away from ice, drinks with ice cubes, and tap water. Choose meals from reputable restaurants, and make sure it's hot and carefully prepared. If you are worried about the safety of your food, stay away from raw or undercooked seafood and street food. Please respect local customs and traditions. Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or traditional areas.
Stay up-to-date on the security situation in the country by checking government-issued travel advice. Be aware of areas of potential security risk. Keep your belongings safe and watch out for pickpockets and theft, especially in crowded or tourist areas. And keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency numbers and the nearest embassy or consulate from your home country.
 
Currency and Money 
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS), often abbreviated as "so'm." The som is further divided into smaller units called "tiyin," but due to the very low value of the tiyin, it is not commonly used in daily transactions. Instead, prices are typically rounded to the nearest som.
 
Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices and some hotels in major cities. We recommend exchanging some money on arrival to cover initial costs. In addition, some of the larger hotels, restaurants and shops in urban areas accept major credit and debit cards. However, for locations where cards are not accepted, it is recommended to bring local currency.
 
Tipping 
In general tipping is not expected, however, in the larger international hotels in Tashkent and Samarkand Western-style tipping is the norm. For guides and drivers in Central Asia tipping is a part of their salary and, though not compulsory, tipping is an excellent way to show your appreciation of their services.
 
Photography 
In general, it is best to avoid photographing military facilities, government buildings, and security personnel. This can lead to unwanted attention or misunderstandings. When visiting mosques, mausoleums and other religious sites, it is advisable to ask permission before taking pictures. Some locations may have specific areas where photography is not allowed, especially during prayer times.
You can freely take photographs of historical sites, architecture, and monuments. Places like the Registan in Samarkand, the Ark Citadel in Bukhara, and other landmarks are generally open for photography.
 
Religion
According to Article 31 of the Constitution, the freedom of conscience is guaranteed for all. Everyone has the right to profess any religion, or none at all. Forced imposition of religious views is unacceptable. Uzbekistan is a secular state where all religious organizations and citizens, regardless of their affiliation to a particular faith, are equal before the law. The state does not interfere with the activity of religious associations.
Islam is the majority religion in Uzbekistan with a more than 90% Muslim population. Approximately 5% of the population are Russian Orthodox Christians. There are more Sunnite than Shi'ite Muslims among the residents in Uzbekistan. Islam was brought to Uzbekistan during the 8th century when the Arabs entered Central Asia.
Currently, more than 2,000 religious organizations representing 16 different religions are operating in Uzbekistan. The 16 religions in Uzbekistan include Islam, Orthodox Church, Judaism, Buddhism, the Roman Catholic Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Evangelical Christian Baptist Church, Full Gospel Christian Church, New Apostolic Church, the Christian Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hare Krishna, and Religious Society of Bach.
 
Electricity 
In Uzbekistan, there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Uzbekistan operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.
 
Responsible Travel 
-Sight-seeing tours are operated and led by a local guide and/or local drivers.
-We encourage clients to buy handmade artifacts from the local producers like papyrus, carpets and gold and silver souvenirs.
-Uzbekistan can be confusing. This is a Muslim country but heavily influenced by the Soviet Union. Therefore, it is important to master a bit of cultural convention. They feel quite loose in some places but stiff in others. So, for example, pork won't be served in many restaurants due to this being a Muslim country, but you may be offered vodka as an appetizer.
-Dress modestly and cover up in the countryside or at home. Cities are more laid-back, but in other parts of the country, following the Islamic tradition of covering the shoulders and feet is something to be cherished. Another important aspect of Uzbek life is respect for the elderly.
-Use water sparingly. In fact, those are the usual things. Take showers instead of tubs and keep them short. Don't leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth, and ask your host how best to keep it for them to use.