Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and also of the Tashkent Province. Since 1991, the city has changed economically, culturally, and architecturally.

Uzbekistan is in Central Asia, north of Afghanistan. The climate is mostly desert with long hot summers, mild winters, and semi arid grassland in the east.

The official language is Uzbek. A knowledge of Russian is useful, though is unlikely to be spoken or understood in more remote rural areas. Russian remains the common language for inter-ethnic communication in Tashkent. Uzbek is increasingly being used in official and business circles, as well as for public notices such as road signs and street names. Use of Russian will not offend non-Russians, but Uzbeks will be pleased at any attempt to use their language. Few people speak English well, but a rapidly increasing number have a basic grasp of the language. Interpreters can be hired locally. The main religion is Islam.

The economy of Uzbekistan relies mainly on commodity production, including cotton, gold, uranium, potassium, and natural gas. Despite the declared objective of transition to a market economy, Uzbekistan continues to maintain rigid economic controls, which often repel foreign investors. Agriculture employs 28% of Uzbekistan's labour force and contributes 24% of its GDP.

Expatriate business dress is conservative for men and modest for women.

The security risk for expatriates in Uzbekistan is medium but high near the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as well as in the Fergana Valley. Risks include petty and opportunist crime, fraud (credit cards and ATMs), security checkpoints (carry passports, visa and travel documents), and the underlying threat of extremist attack.

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistan Som (UZS). Uzbekistan is largely a cash based economy. ATMs are limited. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

Medical facilities are generally poor. Serious or complex medical treatment may require evacuation which can be expensive.

The population of Tashkent is 2.3 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 5.7% (Dec 2016).

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Tashkent as at 1 July 2017 is very low in comparison to other places in the world.

Tashkent is ranked as a high degree of hardship location.