Population of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has the largest population in Central Asia, now more than 37 million people, compared with about 20 million in 1991. The population grows because more people are born than die; this is called natural increase. Growth or decline through migration (moving) is called mechanical change. Migration can be internal (within the country, for example from village to city) or external; external migration splits into emigration (leaving) and immigration (arriving). Population density is the number of people per 1 sq. km; it was 10–11 at the start of the last century and is now over about 80. Life expectancy at birth rises as health care improves and is now about 74–75 years. The number of births fell in the 1990s and later rose again. Density is high in valleys and oases and very low in deserts.