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Geography of Uzbekistan
The Republic of Uzbekistan, the "land of Uzbeks" forms the center of ex-Soviet Central Asia and holds very favorable economic and strategic location.
 It borders each of the newly independent Central Asian republics - Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east and southeast, Turkmenistan to the southwest, as well as Afghanistan to the south. The total length of the State borders is 6,221 kilometers.
The length of the territory from the west to the east is 1425 kilometers; from the north to the south is 930 kilometers.
The territory of Uzbekistan is 447,400 square kilometers, roughly the size of Sweden. The Republic of Uzbekistan lies between two major rivers of Central Asia, the Syrdarya, 2,137 kilometers, on the north and the Amudarya, 1,437 kilometers, on the south. Amudarya trace a northwesterly path parallel to the Syrdarya, separating Kyzyl Kum (Red Sands) desert of Uzbekistan from the Kara Kum (Black Sands) of Turkmenistan, and in ancient times dividing the Persian and Turkic worlds.
The location of country between two major rivers has always ensured commercial and cultural prominence. The rivers complete their journeys at the Aral Sea.
 The sheer size of the irrigation system has resulted in much of the water from the major rivers being diverted. Deprived of its sustenance, the Aral Sea has been steadily shrinking halving in size since 1960.
The territory of Uzbekistan has a combination of plain and mountain relief. The plains of south-west and north-west account for two thirds of Uzbekistan with the eastern and southeastern part of the country rising into the foothills and mountains of the Tien Shan and Gyssaro-Alay ranges.
The highest peak is 4,643 meters above sea level. The Ferghana Valley in the northeast of Uzbekistan is the largest intermountain depression. Mountains surround the valley from three sides; it is open only on the west.
High seismicity, reaching above 8 points on the Richter scale, is one of the features of the natural conditions.
Nature of Uzbekistan
The flora of Uzbekistan number about 3700 types of natural growth. It has much in common with the flora of Western Asia, in  particularly, with flora of Iran. The diverse relief of the republic creates favorable conditions for a whole variety of vegetation. Relict woods of the mountain forests are represented by walnut, plane trees and persimmon.
There are about 320 kinds of flowering plants in the sand deserts, over a half of which endemic. Tugai forests hold a special place in the river ecosystems. Species diversity is a peculiar feature of Uzbekistans fauna, where ninety seven kinds of mammals belonging to six classes can be found. Among them are insect-eaters, chiropters; hares; rodents; carnivorous and hoofed animals. The most valuable of hoofed animals are spiral-horned ibex, antelope, and the Bukhara deer, all protected by the government.
There are 379 kinds of birds, 59 kinds of reptiles: tortoises, lizards and 18 kinds of snakes; 69 kinds of fish. A great number of species are under the threat of extinction. The number of Bukhara deers has gone down to several hundred, including the ones inhabiting the nature reserves.
Climate of Uzbekistan
Every year in Uzbekistan brings over 300 days of sunshine and less than 300 millimeters (12 inches) of rainfall.
 Uzbekistan has a sharply continental climate, born of desert and mountain isolation from sea. It is expressed in sharp amplitudes of day and night, summer and winter temperatures.
During the summer the temperatures expected to be above 35C (95F) and may reach 45C (113F) and above.
The burning heat of summer is offset by low humidity.
Temperatures in December average -8C (18F) in the north and 0C (32F) in the south, though in the extreme fluctuations they may fall to -30C (-22F).
Winter lasts 1.5-2 months in the plains. In recent years Uzbekistan was notably affected by the global warming which turned cold winters to mild with less precipitation.
Travel is most pleasant from the brief spring until early June and from September to early November.
The weather is mild and in April the desert is painted with floral colors. During the fall markets are crowded with fresh fruit.
Mountain areas are refreshingly cool in summer, freezing cold and snowy in winter.
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