September 1, 2011 - Uzbekistan

This is a beautiful

example of Uzbek 

embroidery on silk.

– Independence Day

Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country. You probably already know that a landlocked country is one that does not border on an ocean or sea. A doubly landlocked nation is one that borders only on landlocked nations. In other words, no matter what direction you go from Uzbekistan, you have to go through two nations to reach an ocean or a sea!

Uzbek kids

Right now there are only two doubly landlocked countries in the world. The second is Liechtenstein in Europe.

Why is being landlocked a disadvantage? (And being doubly landlocked a double disadvantage?) Well, it cuts the nation off from sea resources such as fishing, but more importantly, it cuts the nation off from sea-going trade. Even these days, most international trade happens by sea. The cost of imported goods is far higher in landlocked nations, and landlocked countries are more dependent on their neighboring countries.

Much of Uzbekistan is

dry, including the 

Kyzyl Kum Desert.

Uzbekistan is one of the countries that declared independence as the Soviet Union broke up in 1991. On this day Uzbeks may go to parks or set up bazaars where they can sample local delicacies such as kurt , which are sour dried milk balls, and samsa, which are meat pies. Eurasianet has some photos of Uzbek on Independence Day. 

Naturally, there are some 

lakes and rivers in the nation!