Uzbekistan sees decline in birth and marriage rates, while mortality increases

The number of marriages fell to 271,800, marking the lowest figure in the last 10 years. The average age of marriage was 27.1 years for men and 22.3 years for women.

As of January 1, 2025, Uzbekistan's permanent population reached 37.543 million, according to the Statistics Agency. The population comprises 50.4% men and 49.6% women.

On average, there were 83.6 people per square kilometer. The highest population density was recorded in Tashkent city (6,948.1 people per square kilometer), Andijan region (804.9), and Fergana region (613.1). The lowest densities were in Navoi region (9.9) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (12.2).

Decline in birth rates

In 2024, 926,400 births were recorded in Uzbekistan, compared to 962,000 in the previous year—a 3.7% decrease.

The highest birth rates were observed in Surkhandarya, though the birth rate coefficient declined from 30.9 per mille to 28.9 per mille. The lowest birth rate was in Karakalpakstan, where the coefficient dropped from 22.1 per mille to 20.7 per mille.

Increase in mortality

The number of deaths in Uzbekistan rose in 2024, with 174,400 people passing away compared to 172,800 in 2023.

The leading causes of death were:

• Circulatory system diseases (57.6%)
• Tumors (9.4%)
• Respiratory diseases (6.3%)
• Accidents (5.8%)
• Digestive system diseases (4.1%)

Decline in marriages and divorce trends

A total of 271,800 marriages were registered in 2024 — the lowest in the past decade. The average age of newlywed women was 22.3, while for men, it was 27.1.

Divorces decreased slightly to 45,100, which is 4,100 fewer than in 2023. However, compared to 2020, the number of divorces increased by 16,900 (59.9%).