Tashkent Joins the World’s Fast-Changing Cities
Uzbekistan
Tashkent has significantly improved its standing in international assessments of urban development. In the 2026 Global Cities Index, the Uzbek capital climbed 128 places to 343rd among the world’s 1,000 largest cities, while its economic ranking rose from 558th to 188th.
Human capital was another area of notable progress. Tashkent ranked 108th globally, compared with 136th in 2024 and 123rd in 2025. The indicator reflects the knowledge, skills and professional potential of a city’s population.
Boston Consulting Group’s research also highlighted the pace of change in the capital. Its Built to Change: How Cities Compete for the Future study, published on May 21, 2026, ranked Tashkent third among 80 cities worldwide for speed of change, behind Shenzhen and Riyadh. Tashkent ranked first for the speed of change in economic activity.
BCG assessed more than 200 indicators covering economic opportunities, urban livability, social capital and engagement with government. The study also incorporated a survey of 24,000 city residents worldwide.
The Tashkent city administration attributes the results to the contribution of residents, businesses, city and district teams, as well as transformations being implemented at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Analysts have also included Tashkent among Cities to Watch — cities whose development merits attention.
The city administration notes that international rankings matter primarily when changes are reflected in residents’ daily lives. Further priorities include improving the urban environment and air quality, increasing neighbourhood comfort, and creating more opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.
“We are proud of what we have achieved together. And we know who we must continue working for — the residents of Tashkent,” the city administration said.
Boston Consulting Group’s research also highlighted the pace of change in the capital. Its Built to Change: How Cities Compete for the Future study, published on May 21, 2026, ranked Tashkent third among 80 cities worldwide for speed of change, behind Shenzhen and Riyadh. Tashkent ranked first for the speed of change in economic activity.
BCG assessed more than 200 indicators covering economic opportunities, urban livability, social capital and engagement with government. The study also incorporated a survey of 24,000 city residents worldwide.
The Tashkent city administration attributes the results to the contribution of residents, businesses, city and district teams, as well as transformations being implemented at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Analysts have also included Tashkent among Cities to Watch — cities whose development merits attention.
The city administration notes that international rankings matter primarily when changes are reflected in residents’ daily lives. Further priorities include improving the urban environment and air quality, increasing neighbourhood comfort, and creating more opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.
“We are proud of what we have achieved together. And we know who we must continue working for — the residents of Tashkent,” the city administration said.
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