 The country
Uzbekistan lies in the heart of Asia, watered by the great rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya. Its famous cities of Samarkand and Bukhara were strategic locations on the Silk Road and became important centres of Islamic civilization. Today the country has a population of 27 million, made up of Muslim Uzbeks plus Russians and Tajiks. Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the communist elite have continued to maintain an oppressive and corrupt regime which has resulted in ever-deepening poverty and desperation.
Christianity
Exciting things are happening spiritually and many are coming to faith across the country. Official churches are predominantly Russian speaking while Uzbek fellowships are generally underground house churches. No Uzbek church has yet got official registration. Severe persecution from the government keeps fellowships small but general despair in society is bringing many to put their hope in Jesus.
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"I can share in the Uzbek sense of community and hospitality." |  |
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Cultural insight "You need to focus on relationship before discussing business, preferably by eating a meal together." |
Fast FactsCapital city Tashkent Population 27.6 million Ethnic groups
Uzbek 80%, Russian 6%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 3%, Tatar 2% Religions
Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3% Languages
Uzbek 75%, Russian 15% Scriptures
The Uzbek New Testament has been published but not the Bible. Literacy 99.3% Link to Lonely Planet website/Uzbekistan Detail map: map of Uzbekistan |
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