Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Republic

an administrative division in NW Uzbekistan, on the Aral Sea: came under Russian rule by stages from 1873 until Uzbekistan became independent in 1991. Capital: Nukus. Pop: 1 633 900 (2002 est). Area: 165 600 sq km (63 900 sq miles) Also calledKara-KalpakiakəˈrɑːkəlˈpɑːkɪəKara-Kalpakstankəˈrɑːkəlˌpɑːkˌstæn-ˈstɑːn