Situated in the south-west of Uzbekistan, in the north-west of the Kizil-Kum desert and the Amudarya River delta it has a total area of 165 600 sq km,. The climate is continental, with very hot summers and particularly cold winters without snow.

  Karakalpakstan support a population of 1,4 million people, mainly Uzbek (32,8%) and Karakalpak (32,1 %) other ethnic groups are represented with Russians, Kazakh, Uigurs, Tartars and other nationalities. About 48% of the population lives in rural areas while the other 52% prefer cities and towns. The Republic has 15 administrative regions, 12 towns and 16 villages.

  The Republic's administrative, culture and business centre is Nukus, the town of 236 700 people. Other significant towns are Khodjeily, Kungrad and Chimbad.

  Karakalpakstan has its own Constitution and Parliament (Jokargi Kenes), which rules the country. The head of the government is the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan.

  The Republic is potentially rich with significant mineral resources: natural gas, crude oil granite, bentonite, kaolin, marble, phosphoric and erbium-doped metals deposits with a sprinkle of precious stones and metals. The Republic has the largest oil and gas stocks in Uzbekistan. The most developed industries are the production of construction materials, agricultural production and processing and metalwork. There are also textile and food factories in the area and a fish cannery in Muinak.

  The Tahiatash and Tyuyamuyunsk power plants support with energy the neighboring Khorezm region and Turkmenistan. The Republic also has wind and solar power resources. 

  Cotton and rice are the two main agricultural crops. Fruit, vegetables, potatoes and forage plants are also cultivated in this region. Cultivation is possible in irrigated areas only. Livestock is generally pastoral including karakul sheep, cattle, camels and horses.

  The total length of tarred roads in the Republic of Karakalpakstan is about 3 000km. The Chardjow-Kungrad-Beineu-Makat railway passing through Karakalpakstan is the route from Uzbekistan to Russia and further European countries.

Highlights 
  The territory of Karakalpakstan used to be the part of Khorezm - one of the most important points of ancient oriental civilizations. Great scientists and philosophers lived and worked in this area - Ibn Sina, Muhhamad Al-Khorezmiy, Abu Raihan Al-Biruniy and many others.

  Places to see here include the ancient monuments of Khorezm: Guyaur-Kalya dated to 4-3 cc B.C., Toprak-Kalya - 3-2 cc B.C.- The monumental building apparently dated to the end of antiquity and really a worth place to visit. Naridjan-Bobo - 14 cc A.D. and unique mausoleum of Maslumhan-Sulu -dated to 15-17 cc.

  There are several natural reserves in Karakalpakstan. The lake of Sudochi and Hudjakul, the island of Lazarev with the career of pink lime, salty swamp Karaumbot and many others. In Badai-Tugai natural reserve the one can see some exotic animals like hyenas, wild sheep, bald badger, porcupine and some rare birds like Egypt vulture and white head owl.
  
   Since ancient times well known Karakalpakian handiworks: carpets, weaving, sewing and wood carving.