Over a period exceeding fifteen years, there has been a significant decline in the number of operating newspapers in Uzbekistan, which has approached one-third of the initial volume.
According to data from the National Committee on Statistics, the reduction rates were uneven. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of newspapers decreased slightly—by only 29, falling from 649 to 620 publications.
The sharpest drop occurred between 2015 and 2020, when the number of printed publications decreased by approximately 41%, reaching 366 titles. Furthermore, between 2020 and 2025, the country saw another decrease of 147 newspapers.
In total, since the beginning of 2010, the total number of newspapers in Uzbekistan has decreased by 430 units, corresponding to a reduction of more than 66%. Currently, the combined annual circulation of all print media publications in the country reaches 30.2 million copies, with each publication averaging about 138 thousand copies annually.
It was previously noted that the Senate of the Oliy Majlis pointed to the negative impact of shortcomings in press freedom on international rankings of Uzbekistan, alongside issues related to corruption and law enforcement.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 90 deaths resulting from accidents were registered in Uzbekistan during the first half of the current year. Meanwhile, the total number of emergencies in the country decreased from 49 to 22.
At a press conference held on July 7, an official representative of the agency stated that the implementation of reforms and the tightening of control measures contribute to a positive trend in the situation. Thanks to these comprehensive actions, the number of people injured in emergencies has decreased from 132 to 68.
Road traffic accidents continue to be one of the key causes of emergencies. In this regard, preventive measures have been intensified jointly with the Ministry of Transport to eliminate road surface defects and install appropriate warning signs.
There is a trend towards a decrease in the number of fires: the total number of fires in the republic has decreased from 5176 to 4558, which is a reduction of 12%. Among fire incidents, the number of injured people has decreased from 63 to 39, and the number of fatalities has decreased from 39 to 33.
Despite the start of the swimming season, an improvement in the situation with water accidents has been noted. The number of drowning cases has decreased from 91 to 82, and the number of fatalities has decreased from 109 to 94. It should be noted that in all drowning cases, both last year and this year, victims were rescued from the water.
As part of ensuring safety on water bodies, about 50 small vessels, motorboats, and jet skis were detained for violating regulations. Most of these vessels did not meet technical inspection requirements, lacked state registration numbers, or were operated without driver's licenses, including operating under the influence of alcohol.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations strongly urges citizens relaxing near water bodies to use life jackets and strictly adhere to the established boat load limits. Previously, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Uzbekistan had already increased control during the heat wave due to the increased risk of fires, and rescuers also presented reports on measures to minimize water risks for the first half of the year.
