and continued economic liberalization. GDP growth remains robust—between 6.5% and 7.7%—supported by exports, remittances, and investment. The government continues structural reforms while expanding international partnerships with the U.S., EU, China, and Russia. Key challenges include job creation, state‑sector dominance, and governance improvements.
Introduction
Uzbekistan is a lower‑middle‑income, landlocked country in Central Asia with the region’s largest population and one of its most diversified economies. Since 2017, it has pursued major reforms to liberalize markets, attract investment, and strengthen regional cooperation.
Geography
Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world and the only state bordering all four other Central Asian republics plus Afghanistan. Its geography positions it as a key regional transit hub for energy, trade, and transport corridors.
People and Society
Uzbekistan’s population exceeds 38 million, the largest in Central Asia. Poverty has declined significantly since reforms began, though job creation still lags behind demographic growth. Youth unemployment remains elevated at around 11%.
Government
The government continues to implement wide‑ranging economic reforms with strong political backing. Parliamentary and local elections in late 2024 reaffirmed support for the President’s reform agenda, enabling continued liberalization, SOE restructuring, and governance improvements.
Population
Uzbekistan’s population is growing steadily and surpassed 38 million by 2025. Employment rose in 2024–2025, with unemployment falling from 6.8% to 5.5%, though informality remains high.
Economy
- GDP Growth: Between 6.5% (2024) and 7.7% (2025), driven by exports, consumption, and investment.
- Exports: Increased by 24% in 2025, led by gold, copper, zinc, uranium, fertilizers, and services.
- Investment: Up 10.5% in 2025; major infrastructure deals with AIIB, Japan’s Sojitz, the EU, and U.S. companies.
- Reforms: Continued liberalization, reduced state dominance, and WTO accession efforts.
Energy
Uzbekistan is expanding renewable energy, upgrading grids, and deepening regional energy integration. Russia agreed to build new nuclear power plants, while U.S. energy companies signed billion‑dollar agreements in 2025.
Communications
The country continues to modernize digital infrastructure as part of broader economic reforms, though detailed 2025 communications data was not provided in the retrieved sources. (No direct source data available.)
Transportation
Uzbekistan is strengthening its role as a regional transit hub by upgrading border crossings, expanding transit infrastructure, and developing new trade routes with China, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and partners across the Middle Corridor.
Military and Security
Uzbekistan focuses on regional cooperation, border management, and participation in multilateral security dialogues such as the C5 and the Organization of Turkic States. It also works on water management and resolving border issues with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Travel Advice (General, 2025)
While no specific travel advisories appeared in the search results, general considerations based on Uzbekistan’s 2025 context include:
- Stable political environment with ongoing reforms.
- Active infrastructure development may affect transport routes.
- Border regions with Afghanistan require caution due to regional instability. (General inference; no direct source available.)
Expected Trends for 2026
Based on 2025 data and reform trajectory:
- Continued strong GDP growth driven by exports, investment, and services.
- Further liberalization of state‑dominated sectors and SOE reforms.
- Expansion of energy projects, including nuclear and renewable initiatives.
- Greater regional integration through transport corridors and trade agreements.
- Job creation pressures will remain a central policy challenge. (Inferred from 2025 economic and policy trends.)
