For more information see the Uzbekistan profile.

Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, extending from China's western border to nearly the Caspian Sea. Fertile, irrigated valleys cover the eastern section, while deserts cover the western area. Oil, gold, and cotton are major natural resources and sources of foreign income.

Uzbekistan was a republic of the USSR for 70 years until independence in 1991. The former Communists remained in control and brought little actual change, as they continued corruptions, ecological destruction, and the stifling of opposition.

Uzbekistan officialy a secular state with religious freedom, but Islamic fundamentalists have increasing influence. Only a small fraction of the Muslim majority has ever heard the Gospel.