UZBEKISTAN
Population: around 24 million (2003)
Samarkand: samarkand.info Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as Rome, Athens and Babylon- more than 25 centuries old. Ancient Arab manuscripts refer to it as the Gem of the East, Europeans called it the The Land of Scientists. A majestic and beautiful city, Samarkand is the city of legends. When Alexander the Great first time saw Samarkand, he exclaimed I heard that the city was beautiful but never thought that it could be so beautiful and majestic.
Chiva
Neighbouring countries: Turkmenistan