The economy of Uzbekistan

The economy of Uzbekistan

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Area 447,400 sq. km

Population: 35.4 mln.

Including able-bodied – 16.3 mln. Population density - 57,5 per 1 sq.km. Uzbekistan borders 5 countries with total population exceeding 60 mln.

Uzbekistan (some key data)

Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Boshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic established in During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.

Economic condition in 1991

• Net subsidy from Soviet Union’s central budget in 1991 was 21% of Uzbekistan’s GDP
• Economy was centered around agriculture, mainly cotton production, giving 37.2% of GDP and 41.9% of total employment (also 47.9% of total foreign earnings where from cotton).
• Industry was dependent from cheap energy resources from other soviet countries.