Names: conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan conventional short form: Uzbekistan local long form: Ozbekiston Respublikasi local short form: Ozbekiston former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Capital City: Tashkent (Toshkent)

Population: 27,307,134 (July 2006 est.)

GDP Per Capita: $2,000 (2006 est.)

Currency: Uzbekistani soum (UZS)

Languages: Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Total Area: total: 447,400 sq km land: 425,400 sq km water: 22,000 sq km slightly larger than California

Region: Asia

Industries: textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, gold, petroleum, natural gas, chemicals

Agriculture: cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain; livestock

Resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenum

Labor Force: 14.44 million (2006 est.)
agriculture: 44% industry: 20% services: 36% (1995)

Exports: $5.51 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)
cotton 41.5%, gold 9.6%, energy products 9.6%, mineral fertilizers, ferrous metals, textiles, food products, automobiles (1998)

Imports: $3.99 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.)
machinery and equipment 49.8%, foodstuffs 16.4%, chemicals, metals (1998)

Overview: Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 11% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of its population lives in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is now the world's second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it relies heavily on cotton production as the major source of export earnings. Other major export earners include gold, natural gas, and oil. Following independence in September 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. While aware of the need to improve the investment climate, the government still sponsors measures that often increase, not decrease, its control over business decisions. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence. In 2003, the government accepted the obligations of Article VIII under the International Monetary Fund (IMF), providing for full currency convertibility. However, strict currency controls and tightening of borders have lessened the effects of convertibility and have also led to some shortages that have further stifled economic activity. The Central Bank often delays or restricts convertibility, especially for consumer goods. Potential investment by Russia and China in Uzbekistan's gas and oil industry would increase economic growth prospects. In November 2005, Russian President Vladimir PUTIN and Uzbekistan President KARIMOV signed an "alliance" treaty, which included provisions for economic and business cooperation. Russian businesses have shown increased interest in Uzbekistan, especially in mining, telecom, and oil and gas. In December 2005, the Russians opened a "Trade House" to support and develop Russian-Uzbek business and economic ties.

_{CIA World Book}

In 2007 Missouri exported $202,307 in goods to Uzbekistan. This ranks Uzbekistan 161^st among the 223 international buyers of Missouri goods. Missouri exports to Uzbekistan increased from the previous year by $196,646 a change of 3,473.70%. State exports to Uzbekistan have decreased over the last 5 years by $727,280 a change of -78.24. Missouri exports account for .00%. of all 2007 US exports to Uzbekistan.