Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a double-landlocked nation in Central Asia recognized for its rich Silk Road heritage and significant natural resource reserves. Recent estimates place the national population at approximately 38 million people, with a projected GDP per capita of $3,586.
Where is Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Uzbekistan
- Coordinates
- 41.00°, 64.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 38M
- Area
- 447,400 km²
- Density per km²
- 85 / km²
- Growth rate
- +1.97%
- Annual growth
- +745.1K people
- Daily growth
- +2K people
- World population share
- 0.47%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Uzbekistan
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Tashkent
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 447,400 km²
- Languages
- Russian, Uzbek
- Currency
- Uzbekistani soʻm (so'm)
- Timezones
- UTC+05:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy is characterized by robust expansion, with the latest available data showing an annual GDP growth rate of 6.5%. Recent figures indicate a national unemployment rate of 4.62%, ranking the country 110th globally for lowest unemployment. Economic activity is heavily supported by the extraction of natural resources including natural gas, gold, and uranium, alongside a large agricultural sector. The latest rankings place Uzbekistan 67th globally in total nominal GDP.
Society
Uzbekistan maintains an exceptional educational standard with an adult literacy rate of 100%, which currently ranks 1st globally. Digital connectivity is high for the region, as approximately 89.5% of the population are internet users, placing the nation 65th globally in that category. Current estimates show a life expectancy at birth of 72.5 years, ranking 129th in the world. The demographic profile remains youthful, supported by a fertility rate of 3.49 children per woman.
Climate & Environment
The country experiences an extreme continental climate with long, hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures frequently exceed 40 °C (104 °F), while winter temperatures in the northern regions can drop well below -20 °C (-4 °F). Precipitation is generally low across the 447,400 km² (172,742 sq mi) territory, contributing to an arid landscape dominated by the Kyzylkum Desert.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Presidential republic
- Independence
- 1991-09-01 (Soviet Union)
Uzbekistan is a presidential republic where the President serves as the head of state and holds substantial executive authority. Since declaring independence from the Soviet Union on 1 September 1991, the nation has maintained a centralized administrative structure. The legislative branch is the Oliy Majlis, a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber. The government operates through 12 provinces, the capital city of Tashkent, and the autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, which has its own constitution. The legal system is based on civil law traditions. Recent governance initiatives have focused on administrative decentralization, the digitization of public services, and improving judicial transparency. While the executive branch remains the primary driver of policy, recent constitutional updates aim to balance power and strengthen the role of political parties within the legislative process.
History
The history of Uzbekistan is deeply rooted in the legacy of the Silk Road, where ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva served as global centers of trade, science, and Islamic culture. These cities flourished under the Timurid Empire and various khanates before the region was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Following the Russian Revolution, it became the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan gained full sovereignty on 1 September 1991, during the dissolution of the USSR. The post-independence era was initially marked by a focus on internal stability and a gradual transition to a market economy. Since 2016, the country has entered a transformative period characterized by rapid economic liberalization, the opening of borders, and the restoration of diplomatic ties with neighboring Central Asian states. Modern Uzbekistan balances its rich cultural identity—where approximately 84.4% of the population is ethnic Uzbek and 88% is Muslim—with a drive for industrial modernization and international integration. Today, the nation leverages its strategic location and massive resource base to play a leading role in regional security and trade.
Notable Facts
- Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, meaning it and all five of its neighbors—Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—lack direct access to an ocean.
- The country maintains a 100% literacy rate according to official 2022 data, reflecting a high level of investment in basic education and human capital.
- Hazrat Sultan is the highest point in the country, reaching an elevation of 4,643 m (15,233 ft), while the lowest point is the Sariqarnish Kuli at -12 m (-39 ft) below sea level.
- The nation covers a total land area of 447,400 km² (172,742 sq mi) and is the most populous country in Central Asia, ranking 1 in the subregion.
- Uzbekistan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic center of Bukhara, which contains more than 140 architectural monuments.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Hazrat Sultan (Xazrat Sulton Tog') (4,643 m)
- Lowest Point
- Sariqarnish Kuli (Sarygamysh Lake) (-12 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in UzbekistanExplore weather and climate data for cities in Uzbekistan
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Tashkent
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / -3°C | 3°C / -7°C | 10days (55 mm) Wet | 6.7h Fair | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| February | 10°C / 1°C | 8°C / -3°C | 11days (69 mm) Wet | 7.4h Good | 74% Muggy | Poor | View Details |
| March | 16°C / 5°C | 14°C / 2°C | 12days (104 mm) Wet | 8.6h Good | 71% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| April best | 23°C / 10°C | 23°C / 9°C | 8days (67 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 66% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| May best | 28°C / 15°C | 29°C / 14°C | 8days (56 mm) Wet | 12.3h Excellent | 58% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| June | 34°C / 19°C | 35°C / 18°C | 3days (11 mm) Excellent | 13.8h Excellent | 42% Moderate | Good | View Details |
| July best | 36°C / 21°C | 37°C / 20°C | 1days (3 mm) Excellent | 14h Excellent | 39% Comfortable | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 33°C / 19°C | 34°C / 18°C | 1days (11 mm) Excellent | 12.8h Excellent | 41% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 29°C / 14°C | 28°C / 12°C | 1days (2 mm) Excellent | 11.8h Excellent | 41% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| October | 21°C / 8°C | 19°C / 5°C | 6days (44 mm) Good | 9.3h Good | 54% Moderate | Good | View Details |
| November | 14°C / 2°C | 11°C / -1°C | 8days (65 mm) Wet | 7.7h Good | 70% Muggy | Fair | View Details |
| December | 6°C / -3°C | 3°C / -6°C | 9days (56 mm) Wet | 6.6h Fair | 79% Humid | Poor | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 6°C / -3°C . Feb: 10°C / 1°C . Mar: 16°C / 5°C . Apr: 23°C / 10°C . May: 28°C / 15°C . Jun: 34°C / 19°C . Jul: 36°C / 21°C . Aug: 33°C / 19°C . Sep: 29°C / 14°C . Oct: 21°C / 8°C . Nov: 14°C / 2°C . Dec: 6°C / -3°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 55 mm. Feb: 69 mm. Mar: 104 mm. Apr: 67 mm. May: 56 mm. Jun: 11 mm. Jul: 3 mm. Aug: 11 mm. Sep: 2 mm. Oct: 44 mm. Nov: 65 mm. Dec: 56 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Uzbekistan is approximately 38M (2024).
The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent.
Uzbekistan's GDP per capita is $3.6K (2024).
Life expectancy in Uzbekistan is 72.53 years (2024).
Uzbekistan covers 447,400 km² (172,742 sq mi).
Uzbekistan has a moderate population density of 85 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Uzbekistan's population is growing rapidly at 2.0% per year — among the fastest in the world.
Based on GDP per capita, Uzbekistan falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $3.6K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Uzbekistan reports a low intentional homicide rate of 1.4 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
Uzbekistan has 2 official languages: Russian, Uzbek.
Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani soʻm (so'm) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Uzbekistan are April, May, July, August, September, based on climate data for the capital.
Uzbekistan is one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world, meaning it is surrounded entirely by other landlocked nations. It covers a total area of 447,400 km² (172,742 sq mi) and shares its borders with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Its geography is characterized by vast deserts and mountain ranges.
Uzbekistan maintains an adult literacy rate of 100%, which currently ranks 1st in the world according to the latest available data. This achievement reflects a long-standing national commitment to universal education and a highly structured school system. The country continues to prioritize educational development as a cornerstone of its social policy.
The latest economic data indicates that the GDP per capita in Uzbekistan is approximately $3,586. This figure places the nation 155th globally and 34th within the Asian region for wealth per person. Despite this ranking, the economy is expanding rapidly with a recent annual GDP growth rate of approximately 6.5%.
Recent data shows that approximately 89.5% of the population in Uzbekistan are internet users. This high level of connectivity ranks the country 65th globally, reflecting significant investment in digital infrastructure and telecommunications. High internet penetration supports the nation's growing digital economy and provides widespread access to modern online services.
The estimated 2026 population of Uzbekistan is approximately 37.8 million, based on recent growth trends. This follows the latest official 2024 figure of 36,361,859. The country is the most populous nation in Central Asia, continuing to see steady expansion due to a high birth rate and a relatively young demographic.
Uzbekistan currently holds a global population rank of 43 out of 215 countries and territories. In its regional context, it ranks 17th in Asia and 1st in Central Asia. This makes it the largest country by population in its subregion, significantly larger than neighbors like Kazakhstan or Tajikistan.
The estimated 2026 population density for Uzbekistan is 85.8 people per km² (222.2 people per sq mi). This density ranks 121st globally. While the national average is moderate, population distribution is highly concentrated in the fertile Fergana Valley and the Tashkent region, while large desert areas remain sparsely inhabited.
The population is growing rapidly with an annual growth rate of 1.97%. Latest estimates show a net increase of approximately 1,963 people every day. This growth is driven by a high crude birth rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people, which far exceeds the crude death rate of 6.0 per 1,000.
The current fertility rate in Uzbekistan is 3.49 births per woman, which ranks 45th globally for the highest fertility. This rate has experienced an upward trend in recent years, contributing to the country's robust population growth. It remains well above the global replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.
Recent data indicates that 51% of Uzbekistan's population lives in urban areas, ranking it 152nd globally for urbanization. While the capital city of Tashkent is a major metropolitan hub, nearly half of the population still resides in rural areas, maintaining a strong connection to the country's agricultural sector.
All Indicators
Explore Uzbekistan's data across 50+ indicators
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