Physical Map of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan occupies an area of 447,000 sq. km in Central Asia. It is only one of the two countries in the world that is doubly-landlocked. The other one is Liechtenstein.

As can be observed on the physical map above, the topography of Uzbekistan is about 80% sandy, scrubby desert, including the massive Kyzyl Kum.

The mountains of the southeast and northeast are foothills and lower mountains of the Tian Shan Range, an extension of the Himalayas. As marked on the map by a yellow upright triangle, the highest point in the country, the 4,301 m tall Adelunga Toghi is located to the extreme northeast of the country.

The Fergana Valley, between the northeast and southeast mountain ranges, is reportedly home to the most desirable agricultural land and climate in all of western Asia.

In the far west, Uzbekistan is dominated by vast lowlands, the Amu Darya River valley, the Ustyurt Plateau, and the southern half of the Aral Sea.

The Aral Sea, located in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is disappearing. Mismanagement of this valuable sea by the overuse of its tributary rivers is now recognized as one of the world's worst environmental disasters.

Some of the country's major rivers and lakes have been marked on the map. The most significant rivers of Uzbekistan include the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya; major lakes include Lake Ayddrkul and Lake Sarykamish.

The lowest point of the country is at -12 m below sea level in Lake Sarykamish.