The World Bank office in Tashkent has published the first analysis of living standards in Uzbekistan. The study found that more than one-quarter of the population is poor, with one-third of those are living in extreme poverty. A sharp decline in foreign investment was reported to be a major factor contributing to increased poverty. According to the World Bank experts, Uzbekistan now has one of the lowest rates of foreign investment in the CIS. The government is relying on small business to boost the economy, but reportedly 66 percent of small enterprises have been compelled to pay bribes. The World Bank study also found that one of the main problems of the Uzbek population is health care because of reductions in government spending. (RFE/RL)