Country explorer: Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has seen a dynamic economic transformation marked by significant GDP per capita growth, substantial reductions in poverty across various thresholds, a steady decline in unemployment rates, and manageable levels of inflation, differentiating it positively from many of its regional peers and aligning its progress with broader lower-middle-income country trends.

Uzbekistan has experienced notable population growth, a consistent increase in life expectancy, fluctuations in net migration, and a steady fertility rate, reflective of widespread societal changes similar to those observed in other Central Asian nations, yet distinctive in its scale and dynamics within the region.

Uzbekistan has exhibited comprehensive improvements in access to basic needs, characterized by near-universal access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, along with significant advancements in the availability of safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, positioning it as a leading example of progress among lower-middle-income countries.

Uzbekistan has exhibited consistent progress in human development, as evidenced by improvements in the Human Development Index, a significant reduction in child mortality rates, near-universal literacy, and enhancements in the quality and quantity of education, reflecting a trajectory similar to its Central Asian peers yet notable for its comprehensive advancements across a broad spectrum of critical developmental measures.

Uzbekistan has seen a notable increase in its forest area, alongside a diversification in its energy production towards more renewable sources, while grappling with challenges of per capita CO2 emissions and dwindling renewable freshwater resources, highlighting its proactive yet challenging journey towards environmental sustainability in line with regional trends.

Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in digital connectivity and mobile adoption, reflected by a remarkable increase in internet use from less than 1% to over 70% and widespread mobile phone subscriptions, amidst modest yet growing investments in research and development, positioning it as both a follower and a potential leader in technological adoption and innovation within the Central Asian context.

Uzbekistan has witnessed moderate changes in culture and society, marked by a stable yet slight fluctuation in the share of the population born abroad, consistent improvements in self-reported life satisfaction reflecting a more optimistic populace, a steady decrease in gender inequality indicating progress towards gender equity, and an increasing age dependency ratio suggesting demographic shifts with potential socioeconomic implications, mirroring trends common in lower-middle-income countries but with distinctive improvements in gender equity and life satisfaction.

Uzbekistan has exhibited gradual improvement in governance indicators such as the rule of law, reduction in corruption perceptions, enhanced political and civil liberties, and a slightly freer press environment, distinguishing it by its efforts toward reforms and openness compared to some of its less flexible Central Asian neighbors.