Census results refine the basis for population and regional planning

The population and agricultural census conducted in Uzbekistan in 2026 made it possible to assess the country’s demographic, socio-economic and agricultural situation more accurately. According to preliminary results, the population reached 39,047,321 people. This is almost twice as high as the result of the 1989 census.

The census result exceeded the current statistical estimate by 810,600 people. The number of men stood at 19.8 million, while the number of women reached 19.3 million. The number of foreign citizens who had been living in Uzbekistan for more than one year amounted to 56,900.

The census process was marked by a high level of digitalization. Online self-enumeration covered 82.3% of the population. After the post-enumeration survey, overall coverage reached 97.3%, while the share of the population not covered by the census stood at 2.7%. The cost of enumerating one person was estimated at USD 0.12.

During the census, geolocation data were generated for more than 8.2 million objects. More than 55,000 representatives of the “mahalla seven” were involved in the process. The OneID system registered 2.1 million new users. These figures show that the census not only updated demographic statistics, but also expanded the infrastructure of digital public administration.

By region, Samarkand region had the largest population, with 4.38 million people. It was followed by Fergana region with 4.22 million, Kashkadarya region with 3.72 million, Andijan region with 3.52 million, Namangan region with 3.19 million, Tashkent city with 3.18 million and Tashkent region with 3.16 million people.

The smallest populations were recorded in Syrdarya region with 946,300 people, Navoi region with 1.11 million and Jizzakh region with 1.57 million. Samarkand, Fergana and Kashkadarya regions together accounted for 32.1% of the country’s population. This regional breakdown is important for more accurate planning of infrastructure, social services, the labor market and local development programs.

The age structure of the population points to the country’s strong demographic potential. As of January 1, 2024, the permanent population stood at 37.13 million. The median age was 30.0 years. By age group, children aged 0–4 numbered 4.37 million, children aged 5–13 numbered 6.12 million, young people aged 14–30 numbered 9.64 million, the population aged 31–59 numbered 13.20 million, and those aged 60 and older numbered 3.47 million. The largest group is the population aged 31–59, which forms the core demographic segment for the labor and consumer markets.

In terms of working-age structure, 32.0% of the population were below working age, 56.4% were of working age and 11.6% were above working age. Among men, the share of the working-age population was 58.5%, those below working age accounted for 33.0%, and those above working age for 8.5%. Among women, the share of the working-age population was 54.2%, those below working age accounted for 31.0%, and those above working age for 14.8%. The higher share of women above working age should be taken into account in planning healthcare, social protection and support measures for the elderly.

The household profile also provides important data for social policy and local services. In 2025, the average household size in the country was 5.0 people. By region, the highest figures were recorded in Surkhandarya region at 5.4 people, Khorezm region at 5.3 people and Samarkand region at 5.2 people. The lowest figures were recorded in Navoi region at 4.2 people and Tashkent city at 4.4 people.

By the number of children, households without children under the age of 16 accounted for 25.7%, households with one child for 20.9%, households with two children for 24.8%, households with three children for 19.6%, and households with four or more children for 9.0%. These data are needed for the targeted organization of preschool and school education, medical services, social benefits and support mechanisms at the mahalla level.

The agricultural census made it possible to revise current estimates of agricultural resources. Areas under annual crops were found to be 23.0% higher than current estimates, orchards and vineyards 18.8% higher, greenhouses 2.2% higher and fishponds 15.0% higher.

Livestock indicators also showed the results of reassessment. The number of cattle was found to be 14.9% lower than current estimates, sheep and goats 6.2% lower and horses 11.2% lower. The number of poultry, by contrast, was estimated to be 12.7% higher. These differences point to the need to update agricultural statistics, food security plans, veterinary services, and the planning of land and water resource use.

The results of the 2026 census create opportunities for more accurate planning of government programs, regional development strategies, infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, employment, social protection and agricultural policy. These data go beyond updating the population count. They provide a practical statistical basis for resource allocation, identifying regional needs, organizing public services in a targeted way and improving the effectiveness of agricultural policy.