Demographic potential of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

This article analyzes dynamics in the population size and composition, natural growth, fertility, mortality, marriage, divorce, and migration in one of the Uzbekistan regions - the Republic of Karakalpakstan. In recent years there has been observed a decrease in the natural population growth, although it remains relatively high. Analysis of the dynamics in fertility shows that in Karakalpakstan over the years of independence the crude birth rate has significantly decreased. The changing attitude of women to family size is closely related to the changes in their role in society and in family - expanding women's participation in public production, their raising awareness and wide use of various modern methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies. This is the main factor in the transition of young people from large families to small and medium-sized families. Mortality rate reflects the health status of population. Although the healthcare system was developing over the years of independence, the incidence of various diseases has increased. As a result, the infant, child and maternal mortality rates remain relatively high. In terms of infant mortality, Karakalpakstan takes one of the leading places in Uzbekistan. This can be partly explained by the poor environmental situation. The number of registered marriages and divorces also affects the demographic processes. Over the years of independence, the marriage rate has decreased, and the divorce rate has increased. The decline in the marriage rate is due to changes in the demographic structure of the country's population. The article also analyzes the dynamics of migration processes since independence. In particular, it shows high proportion of departures, negative migration balance, intensive external migration. The migration process is a result of the impact of various factors and causes. Among the reasons that encourage people to move from one place to another, there are emphasized socioeconomic factors.