September 1The Republic of Uzbekistan was one of the central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union until 1991, when it and other republics declared their independence from the U.S.S.R. Independence Day, September 1, is celebrated throughout the country with parties, music, and exhibits. CONTACTS: Embassy of Uzbekistan 1746 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-1903 202-887-5300; fax: 202-293-6804 www.uzbekistan.org (c)