From Soviet republic to founder member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Uzbekistan since 1991
Background
Uzbekistan was a constituent republic of the USSR and became independent when Soviet rule ended in 1991.
Its capital is Tashkent.
Islam Karimov led the country from 1989 until his death in 2016; his successor is Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who had been prime minister from 2003 to 2016.
Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan launched the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2001.
The United States recognised Uzbekistan's independence on December 25, 1991, and established diplomatic relations on February 19, 1992.
Capital:
Tashkent
SCO founded:
2001
US recognition:
December 25, 1991
Why it matters for exams: Capitals, first leaders and the founding members of the SCO are among the most asked Central Asia facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
In plain words
SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organisation — Eurasian grouping launched by six states including Uzbekistan.