The number of the resident population in the Republic of Uzbekistan was 26.7 million as of 1 April 2007, according to the preliminary data of the State Statistics Committee. The figure increased from the beginning of the year by 82,000 or 0.3%.

In the first quarter of 2007 the natural increase was 92,100 persons. Out of them 67,900 persons (73.7%) fall upon the rural area.

In the first quarter of the current year the number of births was 132,300 persons and increased by 10,500 or 8.6% as compared to the corresponding period of 2006. The birth rate was 20 per mille in January-March 2007 versus 18.7 per mille in January-March 2006.

The increase in birth rate was marked in all regions of the republic. The significant increase is observed in Ferghana region (from 16.7 to 19.3 per mille), Tashkent region (from 16.8 to 19.1 per mille) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (from 18.3 to 20.3 per mille).

As compared to the first quarter of 2006 the number of dead increased by 3,100 persons or 8.4%. The highest death rate is marked in the city of Tashkent (9.2 per mille), the lowest one – in Jizzakh region (4.8 per mille).

The significant increase in death rate was marked in Andijan region (from 5.6 to 6.3 per mille) and Kashkadarya region (from 4.4 to 5.1 per mille).

Out of the total number of dead 61.6% died of cardiovascular diseases, 8.2% - respiratory diseases, 5.4% - accidents, poisonings and traumas.

According to the preliminary data, 1,900 children died at the age under one year in the first quarter of 2007. The infant mortality rate decreased from 15.6 per mille in January-March 2006 to 13.6 per mille in January-March 2007.

Out of the total number of children died at the age under one year 42.1% died of respiratory diseases, 34.2% - states occurring in perinatal period, 9.1% - congenital anomalies and 6.7% - infectious and parasitic diseases.

In the first quarter of the current year 43,600 marriages and 4,400 divorces were registered. In the reporting period the divorce rate remained at the level of 2006 and was 0.7 per mille, the marriage rate significantly increased and was 6.6 per mille in January-March 2007 versus 5.4 per mille in January-March 2006.