Economy

    One of Uzbekistan's main export is cotton, which is watered by the country's rivers and many irrigation canals. large quantities of rice also come from Uzbeksitan, and other crops include cereals, alfalfa, fruits, wine grapes, kenaf, sesame, and tobacco. There is livestock production in the more arid western areas of Uzbekistan. And cotton, silk, and wool are the basis for Uzbekistan's textile industry. In terms of traditional arts and crafts production, silk dyeing and carpet weaving have enjoyed a renaissance since independence.

    The leading industries in Uzbekistan include machine building and metallurgy; food processing; and the production of chemicals, fertilizers, and building materials. Uzbekistan has more than 20 hydroelectric power plants and the country is rich in mineral and natural resources. The Fergana Valley, for example, is an important cotton, silk, and wine region and also the site of oil fields. Western Uzbekistan has large natural gas deposits. Coal, gold, zinc, copper, tungsten, molybdenum, lead, fluorspar, and uraniam are also found.

For more info on Uzbekistan visit: The Cia World Factbook Uzbekistan page