Khatlon

Khatlon, officially Khatlon Region, is one of Tajikistan's four administrative regions. It occupies the southwestern part of the country, spanning fertile river valleys in the Amu Darya basin. The region borders Uzbekistan to the west and Afghanistan to the south, with Sughd Region to the north and Rasht Valley to the east. The capital is Bokhtar, formerly known as Kurgan-Tyube, a name changed in 2018 as part of a broader renaming program; Bokhtar serves as the administrative and economic center.

Geography and climate: The landscape combines broad irrigated plains with foothills and small mountain ranges. The Vakhsh and Panj Rivers provide irrigation for extensive agriculture. The climate is continental, with hot summers and relatively cold winters; rainfall is modest and concentrated in spring.

Economy: Agriculture dominates the economy, with cotton and fruit (notably grapes and citrus) as major crops, supported by irrigation networks. The region also produces vegetables, grains, and livestock. Small-scale industry and processing facilities exist in major towns.

Demographics and culture: The population is predominantly ethnic Tajik, with Uzbek and other minorities. The main language is Tajik (a variety of Persian), and Islam is the predominant religion. The region includes historic urban centers such as Kulob, a cultural and economic hub, and Bokhtar, which hosts regional administration and markets.

History: The Khatlon plain has long been part of agricultural civilizations and trade routes. In the Soviet period it formed part of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic's Khatlon Oblast, and since Tajikistan's independence it has remained a key agricultural region.