Country Profile: Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia, bordered by five countries and distinguished as one of the only doubly landlocked nations globally. It boasts a youthful population of over 37 million people and is rich in natural resources, serving as a significant exporter of cotton, natural gas, and gold. Following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has undergone substantial economic reforms under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focusing on diversifying its economy and improving relations with neighboring countries. The governance structure remains highly centralized and authoritarian, with a presidential republic forming the political framework.

Geography

Uzbekistan is situated in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Turkmenistan to the south, and several other Central Asian nations. The country features a mix of terrains, including vast deserts and irrigated river valleys, with the Fergana Valley being the most densely populated region. The Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has drastically shrunk due to water mismanagement, leading to significant ecological issues.

Area: 447,400 sq km
Climate: Mostly mid-latitude desert; long, hot summers, mild winters.
Highest point: 4,643 m (Xazrat Sulton Tog')
Shrinking Aral Sea: Once a major freshwater lake, now largely dried up.
Land use: 58.1% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
Natural resources: Includes natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, and uranium.

People and Society

Uzbekistan has a diverse population of approximately 37 million, predominantly Uzbek, with notable Tajik, Kazakh, and Russian minorities. The society is characterized by a majority Muslim population, with a high literacy rate of 100%. Urbanization is growing, with about 50.5% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023. The nation is experiencing a youthful demographic, with a median age of 29.2 years and a significant percentage of the population under 15 years old.

Population: 37,015,151 (2025 est.)
Major ethnic group: Uzbek 83.8% (2017 est.)
Languages: Uzbek (official) 74.3%, Russian 14.2%
Life expectancy: 76.2 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate: 18.93 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Urban population growth rate: 1.25% (2020-2025 est.)

Economy

Uzbekistan's economy is classified as a lower-middle income economy, heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly natural gas and cotton. The country's GDP has shown steady growth, projected at 6.5% in 2024, driven by reforms aimed at reducing the state's economic footprint and encouraging foreign investment. The economy also faces challenges with inflation rates and issues related to poverty, with 11% of the population living below the poverty line.

Real GDP growth rate: 6.5% (2024 est.)
GDP (PPP): $379.989 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.5% (2024 est.)
Exports (2024): $26.173 billion
Remittances: 14.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Public debt: 10.5% of GDP (2016 est.)

Government

Uzbekistan is a presidential republic characterized by authoritarian governance. The Constitution, adopted in 1992, outlines a highly centralized political structure, where the President holds substantial authority. The current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has implemented reforms since taking office in 2016. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Supreme Assembly, with a significant power distinction between the two chambers.

Independence: Achieved on September 1, 1991.
Government type: Presidential republic; highly authoritarian.
Current President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev (since 2016).
Suffrage: Universal at age 18.
Administrative divisions: 12 provinces and 1 autonomous republic.

Military and Security

Uzbekistan maintains an organized military force composed of an army, air defense, and the National Guard, focusing on internal security and border protection. Military expenditures are reported at approximately 2.8% of GDP while the armed forces consist of an estimated 50,000 active personnel. The country has historical ties with Russia for military cooperation and has been involved in regional security dialogues.

Military expenditures: 2.8% of GDP (2019 est.)
Active personnel: Approximately 50,000 (2025 est.)
Military service age: 18-30 for voluntary service; 18-27 for compulsory service.
National Guard: Operates under the Defense Ministry and maintains public order.

Energy

Uzbekistan has a diverse energy profile, predominantly utilizing fossil fuels for electricity generation. The country's installed generating capacity is substantial, with total electricity consumption reaching 75.753 billion kWh in 2023. The national strategy aims to enhance renewable energy sources amid reliance on natural gas and coal.

Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
Natural gas production: 43.249 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Coal production: 6.379 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 75.753 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Fossil fuels share: 90.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Uzbekistan faces significant environmental challenges, particularly due to the depletion of the Aral Sea and soil salinity from agricultural practices. The country is active in various international environmental agreements and continues to address issues such as water pollution and desertification through reform and management strategies.

Environmental issues: Shrinking Aral Sea, desertification, soil salinity.
Agricultural land: 58.1% of total land (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste: 4 million tons generated annually (2024 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 110.992 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Water withdrawal: 41 billion cubic meters for agriculture (2022).

Transportation

Uzbekistan is equipped with a comprehensive transportation infrastructure, including a network of railways and roads, connecting major urban centers and facilitating trade. The capital, Tashkent, hosts a significant number of airports, contributing to both domestic and international travel.

Railways: 4,642 km (2018).
Airports: 74 (2025).
Civil aircraft registration prefix: UK.
Heliports: 3 (2025).

Communications

Uzbekistan's communication landscape includes a mix of state-controlled media and growing internet accessibility. A high percentage of the population is connected, and mobile phone subscriptions have drastically increased over recent years.

Internet users: 89% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed-line telephones: 6.147 million subscriptions (2023 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 40.2 million (2024).
Broadband subscriptions: 10.8 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,015,151	2025 estimate
Area	447,400 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$379.989 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.5%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	18.93 births/1,000 population	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	76.2 years	2024 estimate
Agricultural Land	58.1%	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	2.8% of GDP	2019 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Net Migration Rate	-1.31 migrant(s)/1,000	2025 estimate