Uzbekistan, the most populous country in Central Asia, is home to around 36 million people. The population is made up mostly of ethnic Uzbeks, but also includes minorities such as Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and others. The official language is Uzbek, though Russian is also commonly spoken, especially in urban areas. Islam is the main religion, with most people following Sunni traditions, although the country is officially secular. About half the population lives in rural areas, but cities like Tashkent (the capital), Samarkand, and Bukhara are important cultural and economic centers. Uzbekistan has a rich history shaped by the Silk Road and remains a diverse and vibrant nation today.