Tadschikistan

Tadschikistan, officially the Republic of Tajikistan, is a landlocked nation in Central Asia. Its capital is Dushanbe. It borders Afghanistan to the south, Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and China to the east. The country is predominantly mountainous, with the Pamir and Tian Shan ranges shaping much of its terrain.

Roughly half of the population lives in rural areas. The population is around 10 million with Tajiks forming the largest ethnic group, along with Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and others. Tajik is the official language; Russian remains widely used in administration and education. Islam is the major religion.

Tadschikistan was part of the Persianate world and later the Soviet Union as the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic. It gained independence in 1991, followed by a civil war from 1992 to 1997. Since 1994, the presidency has been held by Emomali Rahmon. The country has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Assembly of Representatives and the National Assembly.

The economy relies on aluminum production via TALCO, cotton and fruit agriculture, and significant remittances from citizens working abroad. Hydropower potential is substantial, providing energy for domestic use and export. Poverty and infrastructure development remain challenges.

Tourism highlights include Iskanderkul Lake and the Pamir Highway. The country hosts traditional crafts, music, and poetry, with a strong heritage in Persianate literature.