Current Events (2000-Present)
2001 - Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan launch Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to tackle ethnic and religious militancy and to promote trade, investment. Uzbekistan allows US to use its air bases for action in Afghanistan.
2002 - President Karimov visits US. Strategic partnership agreement signed. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan settle a long-standing border dispute.
2004 - At least 47 people killed in shootings and bombings. Authorities blame Islamic extremists. Suicide bombers target US and Israeli embassies in Tashkent. Restrictions on market traders spark civil disorder in eastern city of Kokand. Thousands of people take part in street protests.
2005 - Agreement signed on closer military cooperation with Russia.
2007 January - President Karimov's seven-year term expires. Karimov elected into Presidency again.
2009 February - President Karimov confirms that the US will be allowed to transport supplies through Uzbekistan to troops in Afghanistan.
2010 June - Uzbekistan briefly accommodates ethnic Uzbek refugees fleeing communal violence in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. Closes refugee camps within weeks and forces inhabitants back across border.
2012 April - Uzbekistan cuts gas supplies to Tajikistan for two weeks, citing increased demand from Russia and China. The move heightens tensions between the neighbours.
2012 June - Government announces plans to sell off hundreds of state assets in a drive to expand the private sector.
2002 - President Karimov visits US. Strategic partnership agreement signed. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan settle a long-standing border dispute.
2004 - At least 47 people killed in shootings and bombings. Authorities blame Islamic extremists. Suicide bombers target US and Israeli embassies in Tashkent. Restrictions on market traders spark civil disorder in eastern city of Kokand. Thousands of people take part in street protests.
2005 - Agreement signed on closer military cooperation with Russia.
2007 January - President Karimov's seven-year term expires. Karimov elected into Presidency again.
2009 February - President Karimov confirms that the US will be allowed to transport supplies through Uzbekistan to troops in Afghanistan.
2010 June - Uzbekistan briefly accommodates ethnic Uzbek refugees fleeing communal violence in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. Closes refugee camps within weeks and forces inhabitants back across border.
2012 April - Uzbekistan cuts gas supplies to Tajikistan for two weeks, citing increased demand from Russia and China. The move heightens tensions between the neighbours.
2012 June - Government announces plans to sell off hundreds of state assets in a drive to expand the private sector.