Uzbekistan consists of the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, twelve provinces (vilayat) and 157 districts (tuman). Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan with population more than 2.4 million inhabitants. Among other big cities are Samarkand (500,000), Namangan (360,000), Andijan (310,000) and Bukhara (241,000).

Emblem
The Emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan depicts the rising sun over a flowering valley, surrounded by a wreath of wheat earns on the right and branches of cotton on the left. A star, located on the upper portion of the Emblem, symbolises unity. The half-moon and star inside are referred to Islam. The legendary Semurg bird in the centre of the Emblem is a symbol of national renaissance. In the background, on a ribbon in the national colours of the Uzbek flag, is written "Uzbekistan".

Flag
National Flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan consists of three horizontal stripes: blue, white and green. Along the edges of the white strip, the middle section of the flag, there are two red stripes. On the top, left-hand side of the blue section is a half-moon and twelve white five-pointed stars. The blue symbolises the sky and water. The white represents peace. The green is for nature. The red represents life. The half-moon is connected to Islam. The stars symbolise divinity and harmony with the world.

Political system
Under the 1992 Constitution Uzbekistan is a secular and democratic republic. Political system of the Republic is parliamentary democracy with a legislative organ Oliy Majlis (Supreme Council), executive body (government) and legal proceeding system. The head of executive power is President, directly elected to a seven-year term. At present five political parties function in the Republic. The People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (1991) is the largest, there are also a few other minor parties. Executive power rests with the President. The President appoints a Cabinet of Ministers with the approval of the legislature. The Cabinet of Ministers carries the day-to-day running of the country. The President also appoints regional governors.

State system
On August 31, 1991 the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan declared the independence of the country. The Declaration of the Independence was approved by the national referendum on December 29, 1991 when 98.2 % of the citizens voted for the independence and sovereignty of the new state. September 1, 1991 became the Day of the Republic's State Independence. On March 2, 1992 the Republic of Uzbekistan became the member of the United Nations Organisation.

Holidays