Most of the population is concentrated in the fertile Fergana Valley in the eastern-most arm of the country; the south has significant clusters of people, while the central and western deserts are sparsely populated.
Uzbekistan is yet another Central Asian country located along the historic Silk Road connecting China with the Middle East and Rome. The Trans-Caspian Railway—built in the 19th century—linked the Caspian Sea with Uzbekistan during the Russian Empire’s expansion. Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Bolshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a Soviet socialist republic established in 1924.
Independent since 1991 upon the dissolution of the USSR, the country is striving to reduce its dependence on the cotton monoculture by diversifying agricultural production while developing its mineral and petroleum export capacity and increasing its manufacturing base. Poverty remains a problem for many but has been declining.
Ministry is difficult for evangelical churches in Uzbekistan. The government maintains tight control over all religious groups, sparked in part by its fear of radical Islamic uprisings. SGA supports the ministries of Uzbek churches as God opens the opportunities, including through missionary pastor sponsorship, children’s ministries such as Immanuel’s Child, summer camps, humanitarian aid, Compassion Ministry, and other helps.
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POPULATION
29,748,859
ETHNIC COMPOSITION
80%
Uzbek
5.5%
Russian
5%
Tajik
3%
Kazakh
2.5%
Karakalpak
1.5%
Tatar
2.5%
Other
RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION
88%
Muslim (mostly Sunni)
9%
Eastern Orthodox
3%
Other
