Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia with about 25.2 m (2003) population and it ranks third in CIS countries after only to Russia and Ukraine . In one square kilometer 56.1 people live in the country. The population is unevenly scattered across the country. Nearly 63 per cent of the total population lives in rural areas. The natural conditions of the country have definitely played an important role in the dissemination of the population. Very few people live in desert areas while water rich regions are densely populated. For instance, Andijan province is one of the most densely populated regions of the world.

The urbanization process is not quite active, since 1980 the proportion between cities and villages has remained almost the same. By nature Uzbeks prefer a sedentary life and that is why migration and immigration scarcely have any influence on population growth patterns. In general, the level of the population's natural growth is very high. In the country the number of marriages is significantly high and the percentage of divorce cases is one of the lowest in the world. According to Uzbek tradition, the family is regarded as something quite sacred.

The usual Uzbek family, particularly in villages, is rather big. On the average, the Uzbek family has 5-6 children. Ensuring a good and healthy life for the young generation, protecting motherhood is one the priorities for the Uzbek Government. Founded in 1993, the International Charity Fund "For a healthy generation" has been carrying out a number of projects to this effect. It is worth mentioning that apart from supporting this Fund, the government is employing a variety of measures to protect the motherhood and childhood.

The sex ratio of the population is 49,5 percent male and 50,5 percent female. In rural areas this proportion is almost fifty-fifty. Slightly more than 40 percent of the total population is children and young adults under the age of 14, and 28,3 percent are young people aged between 15-29. Children and youth account for 70 percent of the whole population of the country.

The native inhabitants of Uzbekistan are Uzbeks. Besides Uzbeks, there are Russians, Kazakhs, Kyrgyzs, Tajiks, Kara-Kalpaks, Turkmens, Tartars, Ukrainians, and other. Uzbeks live not only in Uzbekistan. There are Uzbek diaspora in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, China, India, Pakistan, Germany, USA, and some other countries

History of the Uzbek ethnicity

Uzbeks have a mixed anthropological origin. Uzbeks practice Islam, its Sunni branch. Historically, the Uzbek ethnicity has developed in Central Asia, between the two rivers (the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya ) along with the ancient natives of the region - Soghds, Bactrians, Sak-massagets, and other ethnic groups. Later, they were called by the single name "Uzbek".

The traditional way of life of Uzbeks has historically been connected with farming, horticulture, craftsmanship, trade, and animal husbandry. Family relations and the distribution of labor were quite unique: generally, men were in charge of farming, gardening and craftsmanship; women took care of all the household activities including cooking, weaving, looking after domestic animals, and bringing up babies. In foothills and desert areas the animal husbandry was the main activity.

Craftsmanship was the major type of work in cities. Skilled craftsmen made different products and items including silk, various textile and household materials. Daily activities of people had an impact on their cultural and social characteristics. National Uzbek clothes have also been developed according to climatic characteristics, as well as historical and ethnic- regional features. That is why, the dress attributes in southern regions are quite different from those in northern or eastern provinces.

However, now it is usual for many Uzbeks to wear European style dress. During national ceremonies artists usually wear national dress. Traditional dress can be seen particularly in provinces, and village areas. Most women wear traditionally designed dresses made of national fabrics such as atlas, khonatlas, shoyi, and others. For men living in village areas the most popular attire is the chapan (robe) and doppy (head dress), embroidered with needlework.

Uzbek national cuisine is very delicious. Popular national dishes - Attpilov (palov), lagmon, manti, kabab, shorva, and mastava. The most popular - palov made of rice, meat, oil, carrot, onion, and various spices. People eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. Besides fruits, there are different kinds of nuts, sweets, and cookies on the national Uzbek table. One cannot imagine Uzbeks' table without Uzbek style bread and the most appreciated drink - tea. There are number of different types of bread in different areas of the country.