Nukus is the sixth-largest city in Uzbekistan and serves as the capital of the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan. Located in the country's desert regions, the city is situated east of the Amu Darya river.
As of January 1, 2022, Nukus had a population of 329,100 residents. Administratively, it is classified as a district-level city that includes the urban-type settlement of Karatau.