Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It covers about 143,000 square kilometres and is bordered by Afghanistan to the south, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Uzbekistan to the west. Its capital and largest city is Dushanbe. The official language is Tajik, a Persian dialect, and Russian is widely used in administration. The population is about 9.5 million.

Geography is dominated by mountains; the Pamir range occupies much of the country. The highest point is Ismoil Somoni Peak at 7,495 metres. Many valleys and basins cut through the terrain, contributing to varied climates from alpine in the highlands to arid in the lowlands.

Historically part of Persian empires and the Silk Road, Tajikistan became a Soviet republic and gained independence in 1991. The 1992–1997 civil war disrupted the country during its early post-Soviet years, followed by gradual stabilisation.

The economy relies on hydropower, cotton agriculture, and remittances from migrant workers in Russia. The Rogun Dam project aims to expand electricity generation. Rural areas remain common with poverty and infrastructure needs.

Government is a presidential republic. President Emomali Rahmon has led since 1994. The legislature is bicameral, with the Majlisi Oli (lower house) and Majlisi Milli (upper house). The political system concentrates power and faces human rights and governance concerns.

Religions are predominantly Sunni Islam, with Ismaili communities in some regions. Ethnic groups include Tajiks, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and Russians. Education is compulsory and the country maintains a tradition of Persian cultural and literary influence.