Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph A. PRESEL (since November 1997) embassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkent 700115 mailing address: use embassy street address; Embassy Tashkent, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7110 telephone: [7] (3712) 77-14-07, 77-10-81, 77-69-86, 77-11-32, 77-12-62 FAX: [7] (3712) 40-63-35
Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a white crescent moon and 12 white stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant
@Uzbekistan:Economy
Economy-overview: Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 10% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. It was one of the poorest areas of the former Soviet Union with more than 60% of its population living in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is now the world's third largest cotton exporter, a major producer of gold and natural gas, and a regionally significant producer of chemicals and machinery. Following independence in December 1991, the government sought to prop up its Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on production and prices. Faced with high rates of inflation, however, the government began to reform in mid-1994, by introducing tighter monetary policies, expanding privatization, slightly reducing the role of the state in the economy, and improving the environment for foreign investors. Nevertheless, the state continues to be a dominating influence in the economy, and reforms have so far failed to bring about much-needed structural changes. The IMF suspended Uzbekistan's $185 million standby arrangement in late 1996 because of governmental steps that made impossible fulfillment of Fund conditions.
GDP: purchasing power parity-$60.7 billion (1997 est.)
GDP-real growth rate: 2.4% (1997 est.)
GDP-per capita: purchasing power parity-$2,500 (1997 est.)
GDP-composition by sector: agriculture: 26% industry: 27% services: 47% (1996 est.)
Inflation rate-consumer price index: 55% (1996 est.)
Labor force: total: 8.6 million (1996 est.) by occupation: agriculture and forestry 44%, industry and construction 20%, other 36% (1995)