Uzbekistan is a state in Central Asia, one of the former republics of the USSR. And this is the happiest post-Soviet country (according to the World Happiness Report). The article describes in detail the population of Uzbekistan, its size and ethnic composition. In addition, you will learn about the main customs and traditions of the Uzbek people.
Republic of Uzbekistan: population and cities
The state is located almost in the heart of Eurasia. It has no access to the sea (if you do not take into account the rapidly drying Aral Sea-lake). Moreover, all, without exception, the republic’s neighbors also have no access to the oceans. There are only two such countries in the world: these are Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein.
The population of the Republic of Uzbekistan is almost 32 million people. This Asian state is characterized by low rates of urbanization. The urban population of Uzbekistan is only 50.6% of the total. The largest cities in the republic are Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Andijan, Nukus and Bukhara.
Tashkent is the largest city in Uzbekistan and its capital. Over two million people live here. This is the main industrial and educational center of the country, the main part of its enterprises is located here. In the 60s, the city was destroyed by a powerful earthquake. However, Tashkent was fully and very soon restored.
The population of Uzbekistan and its dynamics
To date, the birth rate in the country is about five times higher than the mortality rate. This provides high population growth rates. When compared with other CIS countries, they are higher only in Tajikistan.
Today, the population of Uzbekistan is 31.977 million people (data for October 2016). Positive dynamics in its growth has been recorded for more than 60 years in a row. So, over the past half century, the population of Uzbekistan has grown exactly three times. And in the 50-60s of the last century, the republic experienced a real "demographic explosion".
It is important to note that the population of Uzbekistan is dispersed throughout the country extremely unevenly. The reason is the special climatic conditions of the region. Most of the republic is mountainous or arid (arid) territories, unfavorable for human life and economic activity. The most densely populated is the tiny, but very fertile Ferghana Valley. Here, according to statistics, every third resident of Uzbekistan lives.
As for the life expectancy of Uzbeks, men in this country live on average up to 61 years, women - up to 68 years. The main cause of death in this country remains cardiovascular disease. Thanks to recent reforms in the healthcare system, life expectancy in Uzbekistan is increasing every year.
Ethnic and linguistic composition
Uzbekistan is a multinational state. The most numerous ethnic group are Uzbeks (about 82%). They are followed by Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Tatars and Kyrgyz. The diasporas of Ukrainians, Koreans, Azerbaijanis and Armenians are also very significant in Uzbekistan.
According to recent data, the country has about 1.1 million ethnic Russians. Moreover, almost half of them live in Tashkent. In the capital of Uzbekistan, almost all residents are fluent in Russian. The official language in the republic is Uzbek.
Relations between Uzbeks and their closest neighbors can hardly be called warm and friendly. They are most feuding with the Kyrgyz (the massacre in the city of Osh in 2010 is a vivid confirmation of this). Uzbeks and Kazakhs do not like. But the real river of discord between the inhabitants of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is the Amu Darya River. The fact is that Tajiks are actively building large hydropower plants in the upper reaches of the river, which threatens the vast expanses of Uzbekistan with drought.
None of the religions is enshrined in the country's constitution as dominant. However, most of the population of Uzbekistan professes Islam (about 95%).
Traditions and customs of Uzbeks
Uzbekistan is, first of all, huge families, where several age generations can live under one roof. Moreover, relations in a single family are built on a strict hierarchical principle and on the basis of respect for elders.
Uzbeks are deeply religious people. They celebrate all Muslim holidays, during fasting Ramadan they fast strictly, and perform prayers five times a day. Almost all the rites existing today have arisen as a result of the synthesis of Islamic creeds and various magical practices.
Uzbeks are very unpretentious and very hardworking people. In this country, an astounding amount of small artisanal productions - small family sawmills or workshops. An important place in the life of every Uzbek is tea. This is the national drink of Uzbekistan, which can only be cooked and bottled by the owner of the house.