Uzbekistan Country Report

The Republic of Uzbekistan is a double-landlocked country in central Asia. Formally a constituent republic of the Soviet Union, the country is now a Muslim-majority constitutional republic which has seen limited economic development in the twenty-first century, despite possessing large natural gas gas reserves. The Uzbek government has historically had a very firm grip on power and civil unrest is rare. Protests are fiercely repressed. Border disputes with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan can result in border closures. There have been several terrorist incidents linked to Islamist militants. Foreign interests face a potential risk of being targeted. A heavy public security presence keeps petty crime under control although incidents involving foreigners do occur. Violent crime targeting foreigners is rare. Organized crime is prevalent in the border areas and skirmishes involving criminal gangs are a threat in peripheral locations. There are no major risks associated with air travel in Uzbekistan, however, internal carriers do not typically meet international aviation safety standards. Driving safety is poor and winter conditions can make driving hazardous, especially over mountain passes. Medical care is extremely limited outside of major cities. Climatic conditions during winter months can pose an impediment to travel. There are mined areas along the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Travelers can be targets of violent crimes and have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. There is a threat of terrorism. Targets could include government buildings, transportation hubs, hotels and other sites frequented by travelers. State repression and poverty are unlikely to result in widespread civil unrest; isolated protests over economic grievances are likely. The Afghan border is hazardous due to security operations to stop cross-border incursions by Islamist militants. Regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic can see clashes between security forces and gunmen.

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

Uzbekistan has an extensive and relatively modern road network. However, many roads outside Tashkent are in poor condition, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains.

Uzbekistan has no seaports.

Utilities are good and central heating is used in urban areas during winter. However, access to utilities can be limited in rural areas.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Uzbekistan has an arid continental climate and sees extreme fluctuations in temperatures. During the summer months, temperatures can exceed 40 C (104 F) and in winter can drop as low as -35 C (-31 F). Precipitation levels vary throughout the country; rainfall is most abundant in eastern mountainous areas and most scarce in western desert regions. Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. There is the potential for larger earthquakes to pose a significant threat to life and property. Avalanches and landslides can occur in mountainous areas.

The quality of medical care is generally poor. Most hospitals are badly-equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. Shortages of basic medical supplies and black market products are common at pharmacies. Travel in forested areas brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases. Malaria is a risk in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya.

Uzbekistan is a unitary multi-party presidential republic. The President is the head of government and head of state. The President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. Although the bicameral parliament, which consists of the Legislative Chamber (lower house) and the Senate (upper house), exercises legislative power in theory, the executive and the President hold almost all power. The Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party (UzLiDeP) has ruled the state since 2003. Presidential elections occur once every seven years, while parliamentary elections occur once every five years; however, their results only serve to rubber stamp the UzLiDeP’s dominance. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and under the control of the President and the executive.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are not required to form the government. Government collapses are uncommon. State institutions are unreliable and ineffective, especially outside the largest cities.