Jizzakh Region

Jizzakh Region (Uzbek: Jizzax viloyati, Жиззах вилояти, جىززﻩخ ۋىلايەتى) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan. It is located in the center/east of the country. It borders with Tajikistan to the south and south-east, Samarqand Region to the west, Navoiy Region to the north-west, Kazakhstan to the north, and Sirdaryo Region to the east. It covers an area of 20,500 km². The population is estimated to be around 910,500, with some 80% living in rural areas.

Jizzakh Region Jizzax viloyati
Region
Jizzakh in Uzbekistan
Coordinates: 40°25′N 67°40′E
Country	Uzbekistan
Capital	Jizzakh
Government
• Hokim	Ergash Saliev
Area
• Total	21,179 km2 (8,177 sq mi)
Elevation	274 m (899 ft)
Population  (2017)
• Total	1,301,000
• Density	61/km2 (160/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+5 (East)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+5 (not observed)
ISO 3166 code	UZ-JI
Districts	12
Cities	7
Townships	8
Villages	95
Website	www.jizzax.uz

The regional capital is Jizzakh (pop est 127,500 inhabitants). Other major towns include Dustlik, Gagarin, Gallyaaral (Gallaorol), Pakhtakor, and Mardjanbulak. Jizzakh Region was formerly a part of Sirdaryo Region but was given separate status in 1973.

The climate is a typically continental climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

The economy of Jizzakh Region is primarily based on agriculture. Cotton and wheat are the main crops, and extensive irrigation is used. Natural resources include lead, zinc, iron, and limestone. Uzbekistan and China are working together to jointly establish a Special Economic Zone in the region. This high-tech industrial park will be formally established by March 2013. The China Development Bank will provide a $50 million loan to finance several of the joint projects in the construction, agro-industrial and mechanical engineering sectors.[1]

The region has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, with over 2500 km of surfaced roads.

The Zaamin National Park, formerly Guralash Preserve, on the western slopes of the Turkestan Range and known for its unique fauna and flora, is also within the region.

Wildlife is extremely rich here; in spring and in summer, alpine meadows are with a multitude of colors: bright-red tulips and snow-white acacias. In autumn the hills are magnificently decorated with the gold-colored domes of the hazelnut trees, columns of birch-trees, towering plane trees, and green thickets. High in the mountains, in the upper part of the Garalashsay gorge, is a nesting-place of black storks. These rare birds are the pride and joy of Uzbekistan. They are written down in the "Redbooks" in many countries as an endangered species. Early in the spring when the Amasay depression is flooded, flocks of ducks, wild geese, pelicans and grey herons are found here. This territory serves as a nesting place for rose-coloured starlings, shrikes, and sandpipers.