Uzbekistan is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. Located in Central Asia, it is bordered by Kyrgyzstan to the north, Tajikistan to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the west. Despite its small size, Uzbekistan has many interesting places to visit, from ancient cities and historical sites to stunning natural landscapes. So, what’re the pros and cons of living in Uzbekistan?
The advantages of living in Uzbekistan, include Low cost of living, Plenty of nature, Great food, and Welcoming and friendly people. On the other hand, living in Uzbekistan has its downsides: Not great Medical facilities, People don’t speak English well, No freedom of speech, Hostile towards LGBTQ+, and Slow internet.
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Living in Uzbekistan PROS
1. Low cost of living
Uzbekistan is a great place to live on a budget. The cost of living is relatively low, and with careful planning it is possible to live comfortably while still saving money. For instance, food and basic necessities are relatively inexpensive, and there are many ways to save on transportation costs.
In addition, utilities are relatively affordable, and it is possible to find housing that fits within a tight budget. Of course, the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle choices, but overall Uzbekistan is a great choice for those looking to stretch their dollars. With a little planning, it is possible to live comfortably and save money at the same time.
2. Plenty of nature
Uzbekistan is a country that is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains to the sandy shores of the Aral Sea, Uzbekistan offers something for everyone.
The country is home to various ecosystems, including deserts, steppes, and forests. Uzbekistan also has a wealth of biodiversity, with over 3,000 species of plants and animals. In addition to its natural beauty, Uzbekistan also has a rich cultural heritage.
The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Samarqand and the traditional Silk Road town of Bukhara. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
3. Great food
Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, and it is known for its rich culture and heritage. The food of Uzbekistan is no exception. Traditional Uzbek dishes are hearty and filling, often made with lamb or beef, vegetables, and rice or noodles.
One of the most popular Uzbek dishes is plov, a rice pilaf that is usually cooked with carrots, onions, and meat. Another popular dish is shurpa, a soup made with meat and vegetables. The cuisine of Uzbekistan also includes a variety of breads, pastries, and desserts.
Baked goods are often topped with sesame seeds or nuts, and many desserts are served with sweetened condensed milk. With its wide variety of flavors and textures, the food of Uzbekistan is sure to satisfy any appetite.
4. Welcoming and friendly people
Uzbeks are some of the most hospitable and welcoming people in the world. No matter where you go in Uzbekistan, you’ll always be greeted with a smile and a warm welcome.
The people of Uzbekistan are incredibly proud of their culture and heritage and are always happy to share it with visitors. You’ll find that Uzbeks are very generous, and they’ll often invite you into their homes for a meal or to spend the night.
Even if you don’t share a common language, you’ll quickly find that Uzbeks are very patient and will go out of their way to help you. Uzbekistan is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a place where you’ll feel right at home.
Living in Uzbekistan CONS
1. Not great Medical facilities
The country is relatively young, having only gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since then, it has been working to improve its infrastructure and economy.
Unfortunately, one area that has not seen much improvement is medical care. Uzbekistan has a very high infant mortality rate, and its hospitals are poorly equipped and understaffed.
The government has made some efforts to improve the situation, but much more needs to be done. As a result, many Uzbeks rely on traditional healing methods, such as massage and herbal remedies. Others travel to neighboring countries for treatment. Uzbekistan’s lack of progress in medical care is a serious problem that needs to be addressed urgently.
2. People don’t speak English well
While English is technically the language of international business and diplomacy, in reality, there are many countries where English is not commonly spoken.
This can pose a problem for travelers who don’t speak the local language, as they may have difficulty communicating with locals. Uzbekistan is one such country. While you will likely find someone who speaks English at most tourist destinations, don’t expect to be able to converse fluently with locals.
If you’re planning to travel to Uzbekistan, be sure to brush up on your Russian or Uzbek before you go.
3. No freedom of speech
The people of Uzbekistan live in a country where freedom of speech is not guaranteed. The government exerts strict control over the media, and dissenting voices are often met with violence or retribution.
As a result, many Uzbeks live in fear of speaking their minds. This climate of fear has a chilling effect on the entire society, stifling creativity and preventing honest dialogue. It also makes it difficult for journalists to do their jobs, as they must self-censor in order to avoid run-ins with the authorities.
The lack of freedom of speech in Uzbekistan is a major human rights concern, and it should be an issue of concern for the international community.
4. Hostile towards LGBTQ+ community
Uzbekistan is considered one of the most homophobic countries in the world. The government is openly hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community, and there are no legal protections for queer people. In 2017, the government enacted a “gay propaganda” law that criminalized any public displays of affection between same-sex couples.
LGBTQ+ people in Uzbekistan face discrimination and violence both from the government and from society at large. There are no safe spaces for queer people to gather or express their identities, and many feel forced to lead secret lives.
Activists have been harassed, arrested, and even tortured by the authorities. Despite the risks, there are some LGBTQ+ people in Uzbekistan who are fighting back against discrimination. In 2016, a group of activists launched an online magazine called Rainbow Uzbekistan, which provides a much-needed platform for queer voices in the country.
The fight for equality in Uzbekistan will be long and difficult, but activists refuse to give up.
5. Slow internet
In Uzbekistan, the internet is painfully slow. The average connection speed is just 2.8 Mbps, which is about a third of the global average. And it’s not just the speeds that are slow, it’s also the connection reliability. In many parts of Uzbekistan, the internet is down for several hours a day.
This has a big impact on businesses and families who rely on the internet for work and school. It’s also a big problem for tourists who want to stay connected while they’re in Uzbekistan. Fortunately, there are some steps that the government is taking to improve the country’s internet infrastructure. And with more and more people moving to mobile data plans, the situation is slowly improving. But for now, Uzbeks will just have to be patient when it comes to getting online.
Is Uzbekistan a great place to live?
Uzbekistan may have its charms, but it’s not necessarily a great place to live. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of medical facilities. If you have any serious medical conditions, you’ll likely have to go outside of the country for treatment.
Additionally, people in Uzbekistan don’t generally speak English well, so it can be difficult to communicate with locals. There is also no freedom of speech in Uzbekistan – if you criticize the government in any way, you could be arrested or even killed.
Moreover, Uzbekistan is quite hostile towards LGBTQ+ people – there is no legal protection against discrimination or hate crimes, and same-sex relationships are not recognized by the government. Finally, internet speeds in Uzbekistan are notoriously slow, which can make work and other online activities quite frustrating. Overall, while Uzbekistan may have some appealing aspects, it’s not necessarily a great place to call home.
