Uzbekistan: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Uzbekistan 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Uzbekistan: 47
  • Happiness Score Uzbekistan:6.195

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Uzbekistan. UZ.

    Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country with a presidential republic political structure. It has a rich cultural heritage, with notable aspects such as its traditional music and dance forms. Uzbekistan has a growing economy, particularly in industries like textiles and agriculture.

  • Uzbekistan is the world’s seventh-largest producer of cotton.
  • The city of Samarkand is known for its stunning Islamic architecture.
  • The country is home to one of the oldest cities in the world, Bukhara, which has a history dating back over 2,000 years.
  • Uzbekistan – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History: The territory of modern-day Uzbekistan has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was home to several advanced civilizations, including the Bactrian, Sogdian, and Khorezmian cultures. These civilizations were centers of trade, art, and scholarship along the Silk Road.

    Kingdoms and Empires: Over the centuries, various kingdoms and empires have controlled the region, including the Persian Achaemenid Empire, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, and the Turkic Karakhanid dynasty. The Timurid Empire, founded by Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, was a significant empire that ruled over Central Asia and parts of modern-day Uzbekistan.

    Colonial Period: In the 19th century, the region was gradually conquered by the Russian Empire and became part of Russian Turkestan. This period saw the introduction of modern infrastructure and industry but also the suppression of local cultures and resistance movements.

    Independence and Modern Era: Uzbekistan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has since been led by authoritarian presidents, with Islam Karimov ruling from 1991 to 2016. Uzbekistan has faced challenges in transitioning to a market economy and establishing democratic institutions.

    Current Political Situation: Uzbekistan is a unitary semi-presidential republic. Shavkat Mirziyoyev became the president in 2016 and has initiated some economic and social reforms. However, concerns about human rights violations and limited civil liberties persist.

    International Relations: Uzbekistan maintains close ties with Russia and has been strengthening its relations with China in recent years. It is a member of various regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

    Human Development and Economy: Uzbekistan’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources, particularly natural gas and cotton production. The country has made progress in reducing poverty but faces challenges in diversifying its economy and improving living standards.

    Cultural Highlights: Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its ancient civilizations and Islamic traditions. Its cities, like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, are renowned for their stunning architectural monuments and vibrant handicraft traditions.

    Key Challenges and Opportunities: Uzbekistan faces challenges in promoting political reforms, improving human rights, and diversifying its economy. However, its strategic location, natural resources, and cultural attractions present opportunities for economic growth and regional cooperation.

    Travel Tips for Uzbekistan

    Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, while winters are cold.

    Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, remove shoes when entering homes or mosques, and avoid public displays of affection.

    Safety Precautions: Uzbekistan is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of petty crime.

    Must-See Landmarks: Visit the stunning architectural masterpieces in Samarkand (Registan Square), Bukhara (Ark Citadel), and Khiva (Itchan Kala).

    Culinary Experiences: Try national dishes like plov (rice dish with meat and vegetables), shashlik (grilled skewered meat), and somsa (baked pastry with savory filling).

    Living in Uzbekistan

    Cost of Living: Uzbekistan has a relatively low cost of living compared to Western countries, especially for housing and utilities.

    Housing: Rent or buy apartments in cities like Tashkent, or consider more affordable options in smaller towns.

    Healthcare: The healthcare system is government-run and relatively affordable, but quality can vary. Private clinics are available in larger cities.

    Education: Public education is free, but quality can be inconsistent. International schools offer alternatives but are more expensive.

    Lifestyle: Uzbekistan has a traditional, family-oriented culture. Be prepared to adapt to local customs and social norms.

    Legal Requirements: Foreigners need a work permit and residence permit for long-term stays. Learn about visa regulations and registration requirements.

    Doing Business in Uzbekistan

    Business Culture: Building personal relationships and networking are crucial. Business dealings can be bureaucratic and hierarchical.

    Key Industries: Major industries include energy, agriculture, textiles, machinery, and mining.

    Economic Climate: Uzbekistan is transitioning to a market economy and encouraging foreign investment in certain sectors.

    Legal Frameworks: Understand regulations related to taxes, employment, property rights, and intellectual property protection.

    Negotiation Strategies: Be patient and build trust. Avoid high-pressure tactics and maintain a long-term perspective.

    Building Relationships: Cultivate personal connections through social events and gift-giving (within ethical limits).

    Studying in Uzbekistan

    Educational System: Uzbekistan has a traditional Soviet-style education system, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels.

    Top Universities: Prestigious universities include the National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent State Technical University, and Westminster International University in Tashkent.

    Student Life: Campus life can be vibrant, with student organizations, cultural events, and sports activities.

    Visa Requirements: International students need a valid student visa and may need to provide proof of enrollment and financial support.

    Opportunities for International Students: Universities offer programs taught in English and opportunities for cultural exchange and language learning.

Main facts

1. Location

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia. It shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north and west, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south. The country is situated within the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins.

2. Map References

Uzbekistan is part of the Central Asian region.

3. Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 447,400 sq km, Uzbekistan is slightly larger than the state of California in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Uzbekistan has a total land boundary length of 6,221 km, shared with the following countries:

5. Coastline

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country with no coastline.

6. Maritime Claims

As a landlocked nation, Uzbekistan has no maritime claims.

7. Climate

Uzbekistan has a continental semi-arid to arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The northern regions experience a more temperate climate, while the southern regions are predominantly dry and desert-like.

8. Terrain

Uzbekistan’s terrain consists primarily of flat-to-rolling sandy deserts and expansive, intensely cultivated river valleys. The eastern and southeastern regions are dominated by the foothills of the Tian Shan and Gissar-Alai mountain ranges.

9. Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Uzbekistan is Khazret Sultan at 4,643 meters, located in the Gissar Range, while the lowest point is Sariqarnish Kuli at 601 meters below sea level, situated in the southwestern Qizilqum Desert.

10. Natural Resources

Uzbekistan’s major natural resources include natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, and molybdenum.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The Amu Darya and Syr Darya are the two major rivers in Uzbekistan, both originating in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Other significant water bodies include the Aral Sea (shared with Kazakhstan), Sariqamish Lake, and Aydar Lake.

12. Natural Hazards

Uzbekistan is susceptible to various natural hazards, including earthquakes, droughts, and mud and debris flows from melting glaciers.

13. Geography – Notes

Uzbekistan’s geography is heavily influenced by its arid climate and the presence of extensive desert regions. Water management and the conservation of the Aral Sea are significant environmental issues facing the country. Additionally, Uzbekistan is a major producer and exporter of cotton, heavily relying on the irrigation of its river valleys.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 7.50%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 91,811. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 62.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  41.37749164.585262.
  • Capital: The capital of Uzbekistan is  Tashkent
  • Major Cities:
    CityPopulation
    Tashkent2,485,900
    Samarkand596,300
    Namangan479,800
    Andijan423,900
    Bukhara283,500
    Nukus261,300
    Karshi256,900
  • Population: 33,580,650
  • Area(Km2): 447400
  • Population Density( P/Km²):79. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:998
  • Official Language(s):Uzbekistan is primarily Uzbek (79.3%), followed by Russian (14.2%) and Tajik (4.4%).
  • Currency: UZS

Main Economic Indicators

Uzbekistan is a former Soviet republic with an economy transitioning from a centrally planned to a market-based system. The country has a relatively large and diverse economy, driven by its natural resources, agriculture, and a growing services sector. Key economic challenges include reducing dependence on commodity exports, attracting foreign investment, and maintaining sustainable growth while addressing income inequality and unemployment. Notable economic policies have focused on privatization, trade liberalization, and reducing state control over key industries.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2021: 10.8% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 12.9% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 28.2%
Industry: 33.7%
Services: 38.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cotton, fruits, vegetables, grain, livestock
Industrial Products: Textiles, food processing, machinery, automotive, natural gas, petroleum, chemicals, metals

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 18.9 million (2020 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 35th largest labor force globally

Current Account Balance

Current Account Balance: -$2.8 billion (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 149th globally

Exports and Imports

Exports: $12.8 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan
Main Commodities: Gold, energy products, cotton, machinery, services

Imports: $21.1 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea
Main Commodities: Machinery, chemical products, ferrous metals, food products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $35.1 billion (2021 est.)
Gold Reserves: 339.8 tonnes (2021 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$57,921,286,440. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 14.80%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 31.60%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.03. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.24. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 5.92%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Uzbek(s)

Adjective: Uzbek

Ethnic Groups

  • Uzbek (80.8%)
  • Russian (2.5%)
  • Tajik (4.7%)
  • Kazakh (3%)
  • Karakalpak (2.5%)
  • Others (6.5%)

Religions

  • Muslim (88%) (primarily Sunni)
  • Eastern Orthodox (9%)
  • Other (3%)

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 25.24%
  • 15-64 years: 68.94%
  • 65 years and over: 5.82%

Dependency Ratios

Total Dependency Ratio: 45.3

Youth Dependency Ratio: 36.6

Elderly Dependency Ratio: 8.7

Median Age

Total: 29.7 years

Male: 28.9 years

Female: 30.5 years

Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity Rate: 16.6%
  • Alcohol Consumption: 3.5 liters per capita (2016)
  • Tobacco Use: 11.6% of adults (2016)
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 71.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:23.3. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:5. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 2.42. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 49%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 16,935,729. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):42.70%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Armed Forces of Uzbekistan consist of the Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, and National Guard. The Army is the largest service branch, comprising Ground Forces, Air Assault Forces, and Special Operations Forces. The Air and Air Defense Forces operate fighter, transport, and helicopter units. The National Guard is responsible for internal security and border protection.

Military Expenditures

Uzbekistan’s military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2018: 3.4%
  • 2019: 3.2%
  • 2020: 3.1%
  • 2021: 3.0%
  • 2022: 2.9%

Uzbekistan ranks 48th globally in terms of military spending as a percentage of GDP.

Personnel Strengths

Uzbekistan has approximately 48,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 35,000
  • Air and Air Defense Forces: 10,000
  • National Guard: 3,000

The National Security Service, responsible for internal security, has an estimated strength of 25,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Uzbekistan’s military inventory includes Soviet-era equipment, such as T-72 tanks, BMP infantry fighting vehicles, MiG-29 fighter jets, and Mi-24 attack helicopters. It has also acquired modern Russian equipment like T-90S tanks and Su-30SM multi-role fighters. Plans are underway to develop domestic defense production capabilities.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Uzbekistan is mandatory for males aged 18-27. The service obligation is 12 months for conscripts and 24 months for university graduates.

Military Deployments

Uzbekistan has troops deployed as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. It also contributes personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Strategic Military Notes

Uzbekistan’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity and addressing regional threats, particularly from extremist groups in neighboring countries. The military plays a role in regional security through partnerships like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

  • Armed Forces Size: 48000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.37
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 65.10%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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