Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. The capital city of Uzbekistan is Tashkent, and the official language is Uzbek. The country has a rich history, with ancient cities along the Silk Road and a diverse cultural heritage. Uzbekistan is known for its traditional crafts, such as silk weaving and ceramics, as well as its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as plov (rice pilaf) and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). The economy of Uzbekistan is largely based on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, and the country has been undergoing economic reforms in recent years to attract foreign investment.