People and Society of Uzbekistan

Nationality

Uzbekistani

Ethnic Groups

Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5%

Population

35,846,648

Population in Major Urban Areas

TASHKENT (capital) 2.227 million

Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. A large percentage of medication sold in local pharmacies is known to be counterfeit. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most resident U.S. citizens travel to North America or Western Europe for their medical needs. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy maintains a Medical Contacts List on the Embassy website. Travelers are advised to drink only boiled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat. Due to inadequate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and most food sold in the streets. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Uzbekistan.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan has shown steady improvement over recent decades, reflecting advances in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards across the country. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth in Uzbekistan stands at approximately 73 to 74 years overall, with women typically living longer than men — around 76 to 77 years for females compared to roughly 70 to 71 years for males. This gap between male and female life expectancy is consistent with broader regional patterns in Central Asia and is influenced by several factors, including higher rates of cardiovascular disease among men, occupational hazards, and historically greater rates of tobacco and alcohol use among the male population. Uzbekistan has made notable progress since the Soviet era, when the country's health system, while widespread, struggled with structural inefficiencies and limited resources. Following independence in 1991, the country underwent significant healthcare reforms aimed at modernizing medical facilities, improving maternal and child health services, and expanding access to care in rural areas. These reforms have contributed to sustained reductions in infant mortality and meaningful improvements in overall population health outcomes. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Uzbekistan, accounting for a significant share of premature mortality. Respiratory illnesses, cancer, and complications from diabetes also represent major health burdens. Environmental factors, including air and water quality concerns in certain regions, continue to influence population health, particularly in areas affected by the long-term ecological degradation surrounding the Aral Sea basin. The government has invested in expanding primary healthcare networks and encouraging preventive medicine, which has helped drive gradual improvements in life expectancy. Ongoing national health reform programs have prioritized strengthening rural health services, improving diagnostic capacity, and reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. International organizations and development partners have also supported health system strengthening efforts throughout the country. While Uzbekistan's life expectancy figures are broadly comparable to several neighboring Central Asian nations, they remain below the averages seen in many Western European and East Asian countries, highlighting ongoing opportunities for continued investment in public health infrastructure, workforce development, and healthcare quality.

Infant Mortality Rate

Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in reducing infant mortality over the past two decades, reflecting broader improvements in healthcare infrastructure, maternal health services, and public health initiatives across the country. As of the most recent available data, Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 17 to 19 deaths per 1,000 live births. This figure represents a dramatic decline from the early 1990s, when the rate exceeded 40 deaths per 1,000 live births following the disruptions to healthcare systems that accompanied the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Several factors have contributed to this downward trend. The Uzbek government has invested significantly in expanding access to prenatal and postnatal care, particularly in rural and remote regions where healthcare access has historically been limited. Vaccination coverage rates have improved substantially, with immunization programs targeting diseases such as measles, diphtheria, and pertussis that once contributed heavily to infant deaths. Improvements in clean water access and sanitation have also played a meaningful role in reducing deaths from diarrheal and infectious diseases in newborns and young infants. UNICEF and the World Health Organization have supported targeted interventions in Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening neonatal care units, training skilled birth attendants, and improving emergency obstetric care. These partnerships have been particularly important in addressing neonatal mortality, which accounts for the majority of infant deaths in the country. Despite the progress made, disparities remain. Rural areas, particularly in the Karakalpakstan autonomous republic and the Fergana Valley region, tend to have higher infant mortality rates compared to urban centers such as Tashkent. Poverty, limited transportation infrastructure, and shortages of trained medical personnel in remote communities continue to pose challenges. Uzbekistan's infant mortality rate remains higher than the average for European countries and Central Asian neighbors such as Kazakhstan, but the consistent downward trajectory signals that ongoing health reforms and international partnerships are yielding measurable results. Continued investment in maternal and child health services will be essential to further closing this gap.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

To School

Children in Uzbekistan usually attend school from Monday to Friday, with classes starting in the morning and ending in the afternoon. The school year starts in September and ends in June, with breaks for holidays such as New Year's Day and Navruz.

• Muslim88.0%
• Eastern Orthodox9.0%
• other3.0%

Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

• Russian
• Uzbek

Crime Information

Uzbekistan’s rate of violent crime, including against foreigners, has increased in recent years. In urban areas, travelers are urged to take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large U.S. city. If you are traveling at night, try to stay in well-lighted areas, please travel in groups, maintain a low profile, and do not display large amounts of cash. Beware of pickpockets in public places, such as tourist destinations and local markets. Although using private cars as taxicabs is a common practice in Uzbekistan, U.S. citizens, especially women, should not consider this a safe practice. U.S. citizens are encouraged to use clearly marked taxicabs, such as those at hotels and should avoid riding in taxis alone. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are they illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Uzbekistan, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Uzbekistan, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Persons violating Uzbekistan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uzbekistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained in Uzbekistan. Taking photographs of military or security installations or other locations of strategic significance (ministries, border and other checkpoints, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, mountain passes, subway system, etc.) is prohibited in Uzbekistan. Uzbek authorities enforce these regulations quite strictly. Obey all signs restricting photography and be mindful that the absence of such a sign may not mean that you can take a picture.