Nukus is the capital of

Nukus is industrial, scientific and cultural center of the republic. Pakhta-Bairam Harvest Festival, traditionally held in December, features horse racing, wrestling competition among Palvans - local athlets, Kok-Pary national games, Kuzkuu traditional competition (the participant must tag a running girl), cock-fighting and ram-fighting. The Achikul Salt Lake with its sandy beaches and turquoise water is the most popular place for rest and recreation.

The population of the city is 237,800 people. Nukus was established on the 1st of April in 1932. The republic comprises parts of the Ustyurt plateau, the Kyzyl-Kum desert, and the Amu Darya delta. It is the major Central Asian producer of alfalfa; other crops are cotton, rice, corn, and jute.

There is a notable modern art museum named after Igor Savitsky.