KARAKALPAKSTAN: An Era of Renewal and Development

The Republic of Karakalpakstan is located in the northwestern part of Uzbekistan, in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River, along the southern shores of the Aral Sea. The southern-western part of the republic borders the Karakum Desert. In the northwest lies the Ustyurt Plateau, while the northeastern part is occupied by the Kyzylkum Desert. Among the regions of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan ranks first in terms of territory, covering an area of 166.6 thousand square kilometers. The population of the republic exceeds 2 million 35.1 thousand people.

The administrative-territorial structure of the Republic includes 16 districts and 1 city. These are: Amudarya, Beruniy, Bozatau, Ellikkala, Turtkul, Nukus, Khodjeli, Takhiatash, Kanlykul, Shumanay, Kungrad, Muynak, Kegeyli, Chimbay, Karaozek, Takhtakupir districts, and the capital city – Nukus. Karakalpakstan is a sovereign republic with a parliamentary form of government within the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Republic of Karakalpakstan has its own Constitution, flag, emblem and anthem. The Constitution and laws of the Republic of Karakalpakstan shall not contradict the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan are also mandatory in the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The supreme authority in the Republic is exercised by the Chairperson of the Jokargy Kenes (Parliament) of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The highest executive body of the Republic of Karakalpakstan is the Council of Ministers, which is approved by the Jokargy Kenes. The Council of Ministers includes the Chairperson, Deputies Chairperson, Ministers, Heads of State Committees, and leaders of major concerns and associations. By virtue of their position, the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan is a member of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A Permanent Representative Office of the Republic of Karakalpakstan operates in Tashkent under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. During the years of independence, special attention has been paid to the development of Karakalpakstan, along with other regions of the country. As a result, profound transformations have taken place throughout the republic - in the capital Nukus, district centers, rural areas, and even in the most remote villages - ensuring comprehensive progress and development.

In particular, over the past two and a half years, the Decrees and Resolutions adopted by our esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev - which outline all key directions of the country’s socio-economic development - and their prompt implementation have fundamentally transformed the living standards of our people. Above all, the consistent reforms carried out with a focus on the individual and their needs are clearly reflected in the happy and prosperous lives of our citizens and in their firm confidence in themselves and in the future of the nation. Across the country, old and outdated structures are being replaced by beautiful new buildings constructed on the basis of national projects, along with well-designed and modern parks and alleys. Even our villages and mahallas are acquiring a new look thanks to the “Obod Qishloq” (“Prosperous Village”) and “Obod Mahalla” (“Prosperous Mahalla”) programs. All these changes are the result of the opportunities created by our President.

Today, within a relatively short period of time, a number of major creative and development projects have been implemented in Karakalpakstan. Not only for Karakalpakstan but for the entire nation, one of the most notable achievements is the construction of the majestic second building of the Karakalpak State Museum of Art named after I.V.Savitsky, which has gained worldwide fame as the "Louvre in the Desert." The new building was constructed and equipped in accordance with high international standards and has been put into operation. In addition, the building of the Karakalpak State Museum of Local Lore, the boarding school for gifted children named after Hero of Uzbekistan Ibrayim Yusupov, the Amir Temur Recreation Park, and a large modern sports complex with up-to-date facilities have been built. The Imam Ishan Muhammad public mosque has been reconstructed and now boasts a renewed and modern appearance. Most importantly, the Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex, considered the largest petrochemical enterprise in Central Asia, has been completed. Its launch is laying a solid foundation for further strengthening of our country’s economy.

Also, in the city of Nukus, “Nukus Polymer” LLC and “Nukuselektroapparat” LLC are operating. The production of televisions and vacuum cleaners under the “SAMSUNG” brand has been established. To provide the population of Muynak district with clean drinking water, a 101-kilometer “Kungrad-Muynak” water pipeline and a water distribution facility were constructed and completed. Both sides of the “Dostlik” canal passing through the city of Nukus have been beautified, and today these areas have become the most favorite recreation places for our people. In Karaozek district, enterprises like “Karakalpak Cement” and “Titan Cement”; in Takhiatash district - a metal construction plant; in Ellikkala district – “Bostan Mega Textile”; in Turtkul district - “Vegatex Global”; and in Chimbay district - “Lanextract” are also successfully operating. In addition, in Nukus - “Nukus Med Tech” LLC; in Kegeyli district - “Kegeyli Qag‘az” LLC and the “Lanko-Mia” enterprise; in Amudarya district - “Amu Shokhzhakhon” LLC; and in Chimbay district - the “Pintok” enterprise have launched medical clinics. In Muynak district, an amphitheater, the “Moynaq Parlaq Textile” sewing enterprise, and a public services center have been newly built, and the reconstruction of the football stadium and the Palace of Culture has been fully completed and handed over for use. Also, in the city of Nukus, the only one in Central Asia - the “Imkon” early childhood development institution, the first inclusive preschool in Uzbekistan - was put into operation.

Today, life in Karakalpakstan is undergoing a complete transformation. All cities, districts, and villages are gaining a new appearance. Modern enterprises, facilities in education, healthcare, culture, sports, and other areas of the social sphere, as well as communication networks, are being built. All of this is clear evidence that the role of the Republic of Karakalpakstan in the socio-economic life of our country is steadily increasing.