Jowzjan

Jowzjan, also spelled Jawzjan or Jozjan, is a province in the northern part of Afghanistan. The provincial capital is Sheberghan. It borders Turkmenistan to the north and is part of the country’s northern frontier with Central Asia. The terrain is largely flat and arid, with river valleys that support irrigation. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters.

The population is ethnically diverse, with Uzbek and Turkmen communities forming the largest groups, alongside Tajiks, Pashtuns, and smaller communities. Estimates place the population in the low to mid hundreds of thousands. The province is home to a mix of languages, including Uzbeki and Turkmen, reflecting its diverse communities.

Economy in Jowzjan is primarily based on agriculture and livestock, complemented by cross-border trade and local markets. Irrigated farming supports crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and various fruits and vegetables. The capital, Sheberghan, serves as a commercial and administrative hub for surrounding districts, with markets that facilitate trade within the province and with neighboring regions.

Administratively, Jowzjan is divided into several districts, with Sheberghan as the provincial center. The province has experienced disruption and displacement associated with Afghanistan’s decades of conflict, and development efforts focus on improving security, infrastructure, and public services. Despite challenges, Jowzjan remains an integral part of Afghanistan’s northern landscape, contributing to regional trade, agriculture, and cultural diversity.