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URBANIZATION OF MICRO-REGIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF
UZBEKISTAN
Kurbanov Pakhlavon Rustamovich
3rd year doctoral student (DSc), Karshi State University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16717986
Abstract.
This article explores the concept and processes of micro-
regional urbanization in the Republic of Uzbekistan. While the national average
level of urbanization is close to the global average, there is significant variation
at the district level. The study introduces the term
“micro-regional urbanization”
to describe localized urban transformation in rural districts, where urban
infrastructure, economic activity, and socio-cultural change are beginning to
emerge. Based on data from 163 districts, the study proposes a classification by
urbanization level and economic specialization, offering recommendations for
targeted regional development.
Keywords.
Micro-regional
urbanization;
rural
transformation;
urbanization levels; district classification; spatial development; urban-rural
integration; Uzbekistan; territorial restructuring; regional specialization.
Introduction.
Although the average urbanization level of the Republic of
Uzbekistan is close to the global average, there is a significant disparity among
its administrative units. In this context, the present article analyzes urbanization
indicators at the district, or "micro-region," level by examining the traditionally
used methods for determining average urbanization levels across regions. In this
study, the term "urbanization of micro-regions" refers to local transformation
processes occurring in rural districts – namely, the gradual penetration of urban
functions into lower-level territories and the resulting changes in the
population’s lifestyle. Urbanization processes in rural districts remain an under-
researched area. In such areas, urbanization is manifested through the activation
of local centers – markets, bus terminals, neighborhood buildings, and
infrastructure networks (natural gas, high-speed internet), the emergence of
recreational zones and wellness facilities, and the widespread adoption of urban
lifestyles. This includes the development of entrepreneurial activity among
residents and the planned construction of private homes and neighborhood
streets
.
Based on the above analyses, the urbanization of micro-regions can be
defined as follows: Micro-regional urbanization refers to a localized, small-scale
form of urbanization occurring in rural districts or peri-urban areas. It is
characterized by emerging urban traits such as increased economic activity,
infrastructural development, shifts in socio-cultural life, and urban-style land
use patterns.
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It is important to note that in this study, the term
“micro-regional
urbanization”
is being introduced into scientific discourse for the first time by
the author. Here, “micro-regions” refer to local areas situated at the lower levels
of urbanization, which are administratively part of rural districts but are
functionally and infrastructurally demonstrating signs of urban transformation.
Through this concept, the study explores how urban infrastructure, socio-
cultural changes, and economic activity are evolving at the micro level. This
approach is functionally similar to international concepts such as
“local
urbanization”
and
“peripheral urban transition,”
but is proposed here as an
independent scientific concept specific to the context of Uzbekistan. The concept
of micro-regional urbanization encompasses the spatial variation of
urbanization, the merging of rural and urban functions, and the transformation
of lifestyles. It draws on foundational theories such as F.Ratzel’s and J.H.fon
Thünen’s center-periphery and land use models, D.Harvey’s and E.Soja’s
theories of territorial and socio-spatial transformation, and the models of
“global
city” , “innovation hub,”
and
“urban functional diffusion”
developed by S.Sassen
and R.Florida. Accordingly, micro-regional urbanization can be understood not
only as a geographical phenomenon but also as a process of territorial,
economic, cultural, and political restructuring.
For example, in districts formerly characterized by a purely agrarian
function and located at a significant distance (30–40 km) from regional centers
or large cities, the emergence of major markets, bus terminals, bank branches,
shopping centers, private clinics, youth innovation hubs, small enterprises, and
entrepreneurial facilities represent tangible manifestations of micro-regional
urbanization [2]. Studying urbanization processes at the lower level –
specifically within rural districts – enables a deeper analysis of spatial
disparities in urbanization trends. It also allows for the identification of districts
where urbanization needs to be activated and helps assess the available
opportunities to increase the urbanization level for each micro-region.
Ultimately, this provides a foundation for developing clear and actionable plans
for promoting urbanization at the micro-regional level.In this research, the
urbanization levels of 163 rural districts of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as of
2025, were examined. Based on the results, rural districts were grouped into
nine categories by urbanization percentage: below 10%, 10–20%, 20–30%, 30–
40%, 40–50%, 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, and above 80%.
To improve the precision and reliability of micro-level urbanization data,
available indicators were analyzed for both 2010 (when major urban policy
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reforms were initiated) and 2025. It was found that the overall national
urbanization rate declined by 0.7% during this period, which also led to negative
changes at the district level. For instance, in January 2010, two districts had
urbanization rates above 80% – Taxiatosh (100.0%) and Markhamat (81.0%).
However, by January 2025, only one district – Uchquduq (87.5%) – remained in
this category. Moreover, the number of districts with urbanization rates below
10% increased from three (Samarkand – 5.1%, Kogon – 6.6%, Mirzaobod –
8.7%) to four (Samarkand – 6.2%, Kogon – 7.6%, Mirzaobod – 9.3%, Qo‘shrabot
– 9.3%). In 2010, a total of 32 districts had urbanization levels above the
national average (51.7%), while in 2025, only 29 districts exceeded the national
average urbanization level (51.0%). This demonstrates a general decline in
urbanization not only at the national but also at the district scale. As of 2025,
more than four-fifths of all districts (134 out of 163) have urbanization rates
below 50% – i.e., below the national average.
We argue that accelerating urbanization processes in these districts
should be considered a priority within Uzbekistan’s urban development
strategy. A detailed analysis of micro-regional urbanization reveals that in 68
districts, the urbanization rate is below 30% [2]. Based on urbanization levels
and economic specialization, all districts of the Republic were categorized into
four conditional groups: agrarian, agrarian-industrial, industrial-agrarian, and
industrial (see Table). It must be noted that this classification is indicative and
that some districts may not fully align with the given typology. This is primarily
due to the natural geographic conditions and the availability of natural
resources, which determine the regional division of labor.
Table
Clustering the micro-regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan based on
the level of urbanization and economic specialization
№ Territorial
Units
Agrarian
type
–
urbanization
level below
30%
Agro-
industrial
type
–
urbanization
level between
30% and 50%
Industrial-
agrarian type
–
urbanization
level between
50% and 75%
Industrial
or
service sector
(Post-
Industrial) type
–
above 75%
Republic
of
Uzbekistan
68
66
23
6
1
Republic
of
Karakalpakstan
6
6
3
1
Regions
(
viloyat)
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2
Andijan
1
10
1
2
3
Bukhara
8
2
1
-
4
Jizzakh
3
7
2
-
5
Namangan
-
5
6
-
6
Navoi
2
4
1
1
7
Kashkadarya
6
5
2
1
8
Samarkand
12
2
-
-
9
Syrdarya
4
3
1
-
10 Surkhandarya
6
8
-
-
11 Tashkent
8
6
1
-
12 Fergana
4
5
5
1
13 Khorezm
8
3
-
-
The table was compiled by the author based on data from the National Statistics
Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Typically, regions with unfavorable natural conditions for agriculture and
limited access to water and land resources tend to have higher levels of
urbanization. In contrast, traditionally agricultural areas and newly developed
territories – especially districts located near major agglomerations – often
display lower levels of urbanization. However, in the districts of the Fergana
Valley, a high population density within settlements originally founded on
traditional agricultural systems has led to a shortage of fertile land. This, in turn,
forces the population to shift their economic activities toward non-agricultural
sectors. As a result, district-level specialization begins to change, contributing to
the gradual increase in urbanization levels.
In the core study area of Southern Uzbekistan, districts such as Ko‘kdala
(15.6%), Bandixon (18.0%), Dehqonobod (19.1%), Sariosiyo (19.2%),
Jarqo‘rg‘on (20.1%), Uzun (23.3%), G‘uzor (23.5%), Qamashi (23.8%),
Shahrisabz (24.1%), Qiziriq (26.6%), Chiroqchi (28.8%), and Sherobod (29.9%)
are characterized by agrarian specialization. Interestingly, G‘uzor and
Jarqo‘rg‘on are among the leading industrial-producing districts in their
respective provinces. The inclusion of Shahrisabz District in this group can be
explained by the administrative separation of Shahrisabz city in 2018, which had
served as the district center but was reclassified as a city under provincial
subordination. Notably, in 2010, the urbanization level of the district was
53.2%.In Qashqadaryo Region, five districts are categorized as having agrarian-
industrial specialization – Yakkabog‘ (32.6%), Qarshi (36.2%), Kitob (37.3%),
Mirishkor (37.7%), and Kasbi (38.6%) – yet all fall below the regional average
urbanization rate of 42.7%. The industrial base of these districts is primarily
concentrated in light industry and food production. In Surkhandaryo Region,
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there are eight such districts, four of which – Muzrabot, Oltinsoy, Boysun, and
Angor – exceed the regional average urbanization rate of 36.1%.
Only three districts in Southern Uzbekistan have urbanization levels above
the national average, and all are located in Qashqadaryo Region. These include
Koson (52.6%), the region's most populous district; Nishon (60.0%), labeled an
"innovation district" which produced one-quarter of the region’s industrial
output in 2024; and Muborak (79.5%), a district with arid desert conditions that
is specialized in natural gas processing. Notably, in these districts, the level of
urbanization aligns with their economic specialization, and they also lead in
terms of the proportion of the population employed in non-agricultural sectors
[1].
Conclusion. In general, fostering urbanization processes in Uzbekistan requires
attention not only to major cities under national and regional jurisdiction but
also to micro-regions with urbanization rates below the national average. It is
essential to identify potential urban centers within these districts that could
serve as future poles of economic growth and to develop targeted development
programs accordingly.
References:
1. Kurbanov, P. R. (2019). Urbanization Processes in Southern Uzbekistan
[Monograph]. -Т.: Мumtoz so`z, – 180 p.
2. Soliev, A., Nazarov, M., & Kurbunov, Sh. (2010). Socio-Economic Development
of the Regions of Uzbekistan. – Т.: Мумтоз сўз, – 300 p.
3. State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics. https://stat.uz/.
