The global regular usage of artificial intelligence tools in daily life and professional environments has increased by 17.8% over the past year. This trend was highlighted in a research study published by Microsoft experts mapping out digital transformation trends for the first half of 2026, Kun.uz reported.
The study assessed the global expansion and adoption rates of AI technologies across 147 nations. Analysts examined country-specific factors including digital infrastructure development, technology implementation, and the practical integration of neural networks into the daily routines of citizens.
According to the report, Uzbekistan ranks 142nd out of the 147 surveyed countries. The data indicates that only 7.2% of the population in Uzbekistan regularly utilizes artificial intelligence and neural network tools.
Central Asia and the CIS regional trends
Kazakhstan registered the highest adoption rate among Central Asian nations, with 15.9% of its population regularly using AI and neural networks, placing it 70th globally. Other countries in the region showed varying levels of adoption, with Kyrgyzstan ranking 116th at 9.5% and Tajikistan sitting near the bottom of the index in 145th place at 6.1%.
Across the wider Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region, Azerbaijan emerged as the frontrunner. Approximately 17.7% of the Azerbaijani population integrates AI tools into their regular activities, securing 62nd place in the global index.
Other post–Soviet states positioned ahead of Uzbekistan include Belarus in 115th place with a 9.6% usage rate, Russia in 117th place at 9.5%, and Armenia in 139th place with 7.4% of its citizens using the technology.
Global leaders and outliers
The top three positions for daily AI utilization among the adult, working-age population are held by the United Arab Emirates at 70.1%, Singapore at 63.4%, and Norway at 48.6%. The remaining slots in the global top ten are occupied by Ireland at 48.4%, France at 47.8%, Spain at 44.2%, New Zealand at 43%, the United Kingdom at 42.2%, the Netherlands at 42.1%, and Qatar at 41.8%.
South Korea demonstrated notable momentum over the past year, successfully embedding neural networks deeper into public life. The share of regular AI users in the country climbed to 37.1%, up from 30.7% recorded in 2025.
Interestingly, despite the United States controlling more than half of the world's core artificial intelligence infrastructure, it placed 21st in this specific consumer adoption ranking, with 31.3% of Americans using AI regularly. China ranked 67th globally, with a regular usage rate of 16.4%.
Cambodia anchor’s the bottom of Microsoft's global index, registering the lowest regular utilization rate at 5.7%.