Regionalism Uzbekistan's high birth rate is placing pressure on limited agricultural resources. There have been calls for secession from some regions wishing to stop large numbers of people moving from poorer areas. In the Fergana Valley, one of the most densely populated regions, there has been a number of violent incidents. Profile President Karimov's PDP has not been willing to devolve or share power. A constitution adopted in December 1992 appeared to endorse multiparty politics along Western lines.
Opposition is now entirely underground.
The intimidation and arbitrary imprisonment of political dissidents are common. Karimov has kept the support of the Russian minority by avoiding nationalist rhetoric.