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Uzbekistan
Society
Population: Approximately 23 million, 1994;
growth rate in 1995, 2.5 percent per year; 1993 population density
48.5 persons per square kilometer.
Ethnic Groups: In 1995, Uzbek 71 percent, Russian
8 percent, Tajik 5 percent, Kazak 4 percent, Tatar 2 percent,
and Karakalpak 2 percent.
Language: Uzbek designated preferred language,
required for citizenship, but Russian in wide official and commercial
use, 1995. In 1994, Uzbek first language of 74 percent, Russian
of 14 percent, and Tajik of 4 percent.
Religion: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 88 percent,
Russian Ortho-dox 9 percent, about 93,000 Jews. Islam practiced
in individ-ualized forms; little political Islam although post-Soviet
religious practice greatly increased.
Education and Literacy: Literacy 97 percent,
1989. Program to restructure Soviet-era system hampered by low
budget, poor condition of infrastructure, and loss of teachers.
Attendance compulsory through grade nine. In 1993, 86 percent
of population ages six to sixteen in regular or vocational school.
Fifty-three institutions of higher learning active, 1993.
Health: Universal free health care; some private
practices and health insurance introduced, early 1990s. Shortages
of medicine, equipment, and trained personnel. Health crises,
epidemics caused by high pollution levels, especially in Aral
Sea region. Infant mortality increased very fast beginning in
1970s.
Data as of March 1996
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