Country Profile: Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, situated in the heart of Central Asia, is a landlocked country characterized by its vast deserts and fertile river valleys. With a population exceeding 37 million, it boasts a relatively young demographic and a diverse economy primarily based on agriculture, particularly cotton, as well as mineral and petroleum exports. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has made significant strides in economic reform and governance under its current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, enhancing international relations and stimulating various sectors.

Geography

Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia, bordered by five countries, including Afghanistan to the south and Kazakhstan to the north. It covers a total area of 447,400 square kilometers, making it roughly four times the size of Virginia. The terrain is predominantly flat or rolling, with significant desert regions and the shrinking Aral Sea marking its western edge.

Total area: 447,400 sq km
Highest point: 4,643 m at Xazrat Sulton Tog'
Lowest point: -12 m at Sariqamish Kuli
Population concentration: Most residents live in the fertile Fergana Valley
Land boundaries: 6,893 km shared with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan

People and Society

Uzbekistan has a population estimated at 37 million by 2025, with a youthful demographic where 29.6% are aged 0-14 years. The population is predominantly Uzbek (83.8%) with significant minorities including Tajik and Kazakh groups. The country has a high literacy rate of 100% and is primarily Muslim (88%).

Median age: 29.2 years
Urban population: 50.5% (2023)
Birth rate: 18.93 per 1,000 (2025)
Death rate: 5 per 1,000 (2025)
Life expectancy: 76.2 years (2024)
Total fertility rate: 2.6 children/woman (2025)

Economy

Uzbekistan's economy is classified as lower-middle income, with a heavy reliance on the exports of natural gas, cotton, and gold. The government has been taking steps to reduce state control and attract foreign investment while enhancing the sustainable production of cotton. In 2024, the estimated GDP is projected at $379.989 billion.

GDP growth rate: 6.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.5% (2024 est.)
Poverty rate: 11% below the national income line (2023)
Agriculture contribution: 18.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Exports: $26.173 billion (2024 est.)
Imports: $43.624 billion (2024 est.)

Government

Uzbekistan is a presidential republic with a highly authoritarian governance structure, led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since December 2016. The country has a bicameral legislature, the Supreme Assembly, and maintains strict control over political activities.

Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Last presidential election: 9 July 2023 (MIRZIYOYEV reelected with 87.7% of the vote)
Administrative divisions: 12 provinces and 1 autonomous republic
Constitution: Last adopted on 8 December 1992
National holiday: Independence Day on 1 September

Military and Security

Uzbekistan maintains a robust military structure, consisting of the Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, and National Guard. The government prioritizes national security and has strong ties with Russia for military resources and training.

Active military personnel: Approximately 50,000 (2025 est.)
Military expenditures: 2.8% of GDP (2019)
Compulsory service: For men aged 18-27
Military cooperation: Involved with regional security organizations like SCO

Energy

Uzbekistan is rich in energy resources, primarily natural gas, with significant production levels reaching 43.249 billion cubic meters in 2023. The country relies largely on fossil fuels for electricity generation, making up around 90.8% of its energy supply.

Electricity consumption: 75.753 billion kWh (2023)
Installed capacity: 17.901 million kW (2023)
Natural gas reserves: 1.841 trillion cubic meters (2021)
Petroleum production: 64,000 bbl/day (2023)

Environment

Uzbekistan faces several environmental challenges, notably the degradation of the Aral Sea and desertification due to overuse of agrochemicals in agriculture. The country is actively participating in various international environmental agreements.

Major environmental issue: Shrinking of the Aral Sea
Agricultural land use: 58.1% (2023)
Total renewable water resources: 48.87 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal waste recycled: 31.6% (2022)

Transportation

Uzbekistan has a developing transport infrastructure with 74 airports and a railway network spanning 4,642 km. The aviation sector is crucial for connectivity, supported by both civil aircraft and helipads.

Railway length: 4,642 km
Airports: 74 (2025)
Civil aircraft registration: UK
Heliports: 3 (2025)

Communications

The communications sector in Uzbekistan has seen substantial growth, with 40.2 million mobile subscriptions, indicating a penetration rate of 1,110% per 100 inhabitants. Internet usage is also widespread, with 89% of the population connected.

Fixed-line telephones: 6.147 million subscriptions (2023)
Broadband subscriptions: 10.8 million (2023)
Internet usage: 89% of the population (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	37,015,151 (2025 est.)
Area	447,400 sq km
GDP	$379.989 billion (2024)	Purchasing power parity
Energy consumption	55.305 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	18.93 births/1,000 (2025)
Unemployment rate	4.5% (2024 est.)	% of labor force seeking employment
Life expectancy	76.2 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	100% (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate	2.6 children/woman (2025)
Urbanization	50.5% (2023)	% of total population