Uzbekistan's President Dies

Uzbekistan, a country of about 30 million people which borders Russia and Turkestan has lost its President.
Islam Karimov was born 1938 to a lower-class family. He came to study economics and engineering. He became President in 1991 at age 53; Mr. Karimov passed away at age 78 on September 2, 2016.

He started off committed to Communism but as the years went on he became more central. He repeatedly crushed Islamist groups during his time as President.

It is difficult to judge how well Uzbekistan did economically because Islam Karimov has been the country's only President. When compared with nearby Afghanistan, Uzbekistan has a higher literary rate, a higher life expectancy and a stronger military (48th overall.)

The Chairmen of the Senate (aged 53) now acts as President until the next election which will likely occur within the next six months.