Uzbekistan is a state in Central Asia, one of the former republics of the USSR. Moreover, 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 (except for the rapidly drying Aral Sea-Lake). Moreover, without exception, all the neighbors of the republic also do not have access to the oceans. There are only two such countries in the world: 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 of the republic in terms of the number of inhabitants are Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Andijan, Nukus and Bukhara.
Tashkent –the largest city of 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 completely and very soon restored.
Population of Uzbekistan and its dynamics
Today, the birth rate in the country is about five times higher than the death rate. This provides a high rate of population growth. Compared to other CIS countries, they are higher only in Tajikistan.
Today the population of Uzbekistan is 31.977 million people (data as of October 2016). Positive dynamics in its growth has been recorded for more than 60 years in a row. Thus, 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. This is due to the special natural and 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. According to statistics, every third resident of Uzbekistan lives here.
As for the life expectancy of Uzbeks, men in this country live on average up to 61 years, women - up to 68years. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in this country. Thanks to recent reforms in the he althcare 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 Kirghiz. The diasporas of Ukrainians, Koreans, Azerbaijanis and Armenians are also very significant in Uzbekistan.
According to the latest data, there are about 1.1 million ethnic Russians in the country. Moreover, almost half of them live in Tashkent. In the capital of Uzbekistan, almost all residents speak Russian fluently. The state language in the republic is Uzbek.
Relations between Uzbeks and their closest neighbors can hardly be called warm and friendly. They are most at enmity 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 bone of contention between the inhabitants of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is the Amu Darya River. The fact is that the Tajiks are actively building large hydroelectric power stations 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 generations can live under one roof. At the same time, relationships in a single family are built according to a strict hierarchical principle and on the basis of respect for elders.
Uzbeks are deeply religious people. They celebrate all Muslim holidays, during Ramadan they strictly fast, and pray five times a day. Almost all the rites that exist today arose here as a result of the synthesis of Islamic creeds and various magical practices.
Uzbeks are very unpretentious and very hardworking people. In this country, there are a surprising number of small handicraft industries - small family sawmills or workshops. Tea occupies an important place in the life of every Uzbek. This is the national drink of Uzbekistan, and only the owner of the house is allowed to prepare and pour it.
