Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Its capital and largest city is Tashkent. Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from ancient civilizations such as the Silk Road, as well as Persian, Turkic, and Russian cultures. The country is known for its historic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, which boast stunning architecture, bustling bazaars, and vibrant cultural traditions. Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since undergone significant political and economic reforms. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, natural resources, and increasingly, tourism.