Demographics of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia. Its 25 million people, concentrated in the south and east of the country, are almost half of the region's total population. Uzbekistan had been one of the poorest republics in the Soviet Union; much of its population was engaged in the cultivation of cotton in small rural communities. The population continues to be heavily rural and dependent on cultivation for its livelihood.

Ethnic groups

Tayikos in Uzbekistan

Uzbeks are the dominant ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include Russians 5.5%, Tajiks 5%, Koreans 4.7%, Kazakhs 3%, Karakalpacs 2.5%, and Tatars 1.5%.

Religion

The nation is 88% Sunni Muslim and 9% Eastern Orthodox.

Languages

Uzbek is the official state language; however, Russian is the de facto official language for inter-ethnic communication, including much of everyday use in commerce and government. Karakalpako is also official in the Republic of Karakalpakia.

Literacy and Health

The educational system has reached 99.3% literacy, and the average age of schooling for men and women is 11 years. However, due to budget constraints and other transition problems following the collapse of the Soviet Union, textbooks and other school supplies, teaching methods, curricula, and educational institutions are outdated, inadequate, and poorly maintained. In addition, the proportion of people of school age has been falling. Although the government is concerned about these issues, the budget remains tight. Similarly in the field of health, life expectancy is long, but after the dismemberment of the Soviet Union, health resources have declined, reducing quality, accessibility and efficiency.

Population developments between 1992 and 2003 (FAO figures, 2005). Population in thousands of inhabitants.