Marriage and family in Uzbekistan

The article is prepared on the basis of official statistics and special surveys of families conducted in the republic within the past five years. Modern family customs and traditions have deep historical roots. In the late 19th century in the territory of modern Uzbekistan the average age of consent was 15-17 years. According to the population census of 1897, in Central Asia 64% of girls aged 17-19 were already married. Modern family in Uzbekistan is a democratic monogamous form of marriage based on equality of men and women. In 2000-2016 in the republic were registered 4033.9 thousand marriages. Uzbekistan is characterized by a sufficient stability of families that is demonstrated by rather low divorce rates. Over the years of independence the number of divorces has reduced to a half, in recent years there were 9.5-9.7 divorces per 100 contracted marriages, but nevertheless, this problem remains rather relevant. Increase in the age of marriage is a universal tendency, and it is already taking shape in Uzbekistan. In the 2000th the average age of marriage has risen for men from 24.2 to 25.9 years, and for women - from 21.4 to 22.5 years. A significant impact on reproduction processes is exerted by education levels of women. Family in Uzbekistan develops according to the universal regularities and national customs and traditions without having lost its vital value. It is characterized by sufficient stability that provides a normal demographic situation and preservation of demographic potential in the future.