Uzbekistan’s poverty rate declines in 2024

Uzbekistan’s poverty level decreased in 2024, as determined by international standards, according to a report by the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment.  

The study, conducted in collaboration with the World Bank, found that the poverty rate dropped from 11% to 8.9%, equating to 3.3 million people—719,000 fewer than in 2023.  

The most notable reductions in poverty were recorded in the following regions:  

- Bukhara: 11.8% → 8.7%  
- Samarkand: 10.5% → 7.5%  
- Namangan: 10.4% → 7.6%  
- Republic of Karakalpakstan: 13.6% → 10.8%  

According to the report, measures aimed at boosting employment, promoting entrepreneurship, and improving land use efficiency for household and agricultural purposes played a crucial role in poverty reduction. As a result, the real income of Uzbekistan’s population grew by 10.7%, reaching an average of 2.1 million sums per capita per month, up from 1.7 million sums at the beginning of the year.  

Results of the assessment of the level of poverty by region

The structure of income sources among the population was as follows:  

- Wages: 42.6% (2023: 41.9%)  
- Entrepreneurial income: 22.9% (2023: 21.4%)  
- Pensions, social assistance, and subsidies: 18.2% (2023: 18.9%)  
- Income from agriculture and household activities: 10.7% (2023: 9.8%)  
- Remittances from abroad: 2.0% (2023: 3.1%)  
- Other income: 3.6% (2023: 4.9%)  

Additionally, wage-based income increased by 12.9% compared to 2023, further contributing to the overall rise in living standards.