The fastest-growing cities
Since 2010, Namangan has grown by 65%, followed by Termez (64%), Samarkand (52%), Kokand (44%), Fergana (43%), and Tashkent (42%). All six outpaced the national average population growth rate of 37%.
The figures are based on data from the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan as of January 1, 2026.
Growth in Andijan (35%), Karshi (29%), Margilan (29%), and Nukus (29%) remained below the national average. At the bottom of the ranking were Bukhara, which grew by 14%, and Angren, which expanded by just 12%.
Namangan ranks first among cities that already held city status in 2010. Cities that received city status later, including Shahrisabz, Khiva, and Yangiyul, were excluded from the comparison because their apparent growth reflects administrative reclassification rather than actual population increases.
Part of the growth recorded in several cities was driven by changes to administrative boundaries. Namangan is a notable example. In 2016, sections of neighboring districts with a combined population of around 96,000 people were incorporated into the city. In 2020, the new Davlatabad district was created within Namangan, adding another 140,000 residents. As a result, Namangan’s 65% increase reflects not only demographic growth but also territorial expansion.
Population density
The country’s two most densely populated cities are both located in the Fergana Valley: Namangan with 8,289 residents per square kilometer and Andijan with 7,683. Tashkent ranks third with 7,312 residents per square kilometer.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are former industrial centers. Angren has a density of 1,171 residents per square kilometer, while Almalyk has just 1,058.
