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 1924. 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 terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.
July 14th 2008Asia » Uzbekistan » Khiva I'm glad I prefer the heat to the cold, as it's boiling here!!! It's dry heat though, so I'm not actually feeling it that much, but a couple of people in my group are struggling. I am now travelling w ... 14 photos[full story]
July 9th 2008Asia » Uzbekistan » Khiva The next day I finally have an easy border crossing and enter Uzbekistan.
I stay in the historic town of Khiva, inside the ancient city walls. After Turkmenistan it feels really nice here - people ... 3 photos[full story]
June 20th 2008Asia » Uzbekistan » Khiva I will laugh at an English tourist...
You set off for a 6 week trip. You decide on day 1 that you're so homesick that you want to go home. What do you do? You give up and go home almost immediat ... [full story]
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