Samarqand Region (Samarkand Region) (Uzbek: Samarqand viloyati) is one of the regions of Uzbekistan. It is located in the center of the country in the basin of Zarafshan River. It borders with Tajikistan, Navoiy Region, Jizzakh Region and Qashqadaryo Region. It covers an area of 16,400 km². The population is estimated to be around 2,322,000, with some 75% living in rural areas.