A Brief Description The Republic of Tajikistan, formerly know as Tajik, a Soviet Socialist Republic, is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. Inhabited by Iranian peoples for over 2,500 years (the recognized forbears of Tajikistan) this land was over-run by assorted empires for centuries. Strongly influenced by the Chinese, it was the Islamic Arabs that conquered this land and the reason that Islam became its prominent religion. Then, through the 16th century, Tajikistan was ruled successively by the Turks, Mongols, and Uzbeks. Over time, the wide variety of peoples transformed into a somewhat unorganized group of isolated municipalities and khanates, that eventually came under Russian rule in the mid-19th century. Following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Tajikistan became an independent republic in 1991, and has now emerged from the bloody civil war that plagued the country for almost six years. Tajikistan is now in the early stages of a western-leaning attitude; joining NATO's Partnership for Peace and aggressively seeking a World Trade Organization membership. However, this isolated country remains poor, and must depend on economic assistance from the international community in an effort to create jobs and improve its economic stability. Dushanbe, the capital city, was reconstructed by the Russians atop previous settlements on the same spot. The city features wide, tree-lined streets, and for the most part, one-story buildings, due in fact to the frequent earthquakes that occur in Tajikistan. Learn more about Tajikistan here. The rugged mountain landscape of Asia Travel the World through Poster Art! Facts and Figures Name Tajikistan (long form) Republic of Tajikistan Population 7,163,506 Population & Density (all countries) here Capital City Dushanbe (605,000) Currency Somoni Currency Converter here Languages Tajik (official), Russian Flag here National Day September 9 Religions Sunni Muslim (85%), Shi'a Muslim (5%), others The meaning of "stan" here! Geographic Coordinates Latitude/Longitude (Capital City) 38º 38' N, 68º 51' E Relative Location Tajikistan is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. The country is bordered by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Afghanistan. Land Statistics Coastline 0 (landlocked) Land Areas (land) 55,097 sq miles (142,700 sq km) (water) 154 sq miles (400 sq km) (TOTAL) 55,251 sq miles (143,100 sq km) Land Area (all countries) here Landforms Tajikistan is almost all mountains (93%), and dominated by the Alay Range in the north and the Pamir Mountains to the southeast. In fact, more than half of the country is higher than 3,000 m, (9,842 ft.) in elevation. The numerous mountain chains are etched with deep valleys formed by a dense maze of cold-water rivers. The eastern mountains contain many glaciers and lakes. The Fedchenko Glacier (surrounding the country's highest peaks) covers 700 square kilometers, and is the largest non-polar glacier in the world The lowest elevations are in the northwest, southwest and in the Fergana Valley, which dominates Tajikistan’s far northern section. The country's extensive mountain system spawns many rivers, with the most significant being the Syr Darya, Amu Darya (called the Panj in central Tajikistan), Vakhsh (called the Surkhob in northern Tajikistan), Panj, Pamir and Bartang. Highest Point Qullai Ismoili Somoni - 24,589 ft. (7,495 m) Lowest Point Syr Darya River - (984 ft.) (300 m) Land Divisions 3 provinces, including: Viloyati Mukhtori Kuhistoni Badakhshon (an autonomous province), Viloyati Khatlon and Viloyati Sughd.

Maps Tajikistan (large color) Map here Tajikistan Outline Map here Tajikistan CIA version here Tajikistan Maps at UT here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Asia Continent (printable) here Asia Outline Map here Asia (Southeast) Outline Map here Asia (Name the Country) Map Test here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Indian Subcontinent Map here Middle East Landforms here Middle East Map here Middle East Outline Map here Middle East Rivers here Tsunami Map (December 2004) here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - World Outline Maps (printable) here World Time Zone Map here Recommended Links Tajikistan (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here Tajikistan Embassy Washington, DC here Tajikistan Photos at TrekEarth.com here Travel Tajikistan here A cold-water mountain river! Travel the World through Poster Art! Time and Weather Time Zone (UTC +5) Note that UTC is also known as GMT, or Greenwich Mean Time. Conversion details and additional info: here Climate Tajikistan's climate, like all mountainous countries, varies dramatically depending on elevation. Condition are quite dry in the subtropical southwestern lowlands, an area where the highest daily temperatures occur. Here the summer high temperatures reach the low 80° F, while winter temperatures hover near freezing. In the eastern and northern mountains, summer highs approach 50° F, while winter lows near -25° F are the norm; temperatures below -45° F are not uncommon. Overall, precipitation is moderate, but decreases by elevation. Countrywide, the highest precipitation levels occur near the Fedchenko Glacier in eastern Tajikistan. Traveler Info Attractions Though isolated and difficult to reach, Tajikistan is certainly a visually stunning destination, one with enormous potential. Tourism levels are on the rise due to governmental stability procedures, but travelers are generally advised to use an experienced tour company - if at all possible. The country's main entry point is Dushanbe, the capital city, and major attractions include archeological sites; some amazing mountain climbing; somewhat limited, but growing ski runs; ecological tours; river rafting and hunting venues, and a selection of niche health resorts. With its close proximity to Afghanistan, western travelers are advised to be vigilant as extremist groups remain active and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private interests in the region. Note that terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets and travelers should increase their vigilance in areas Westerners congregate. Country Dialing Code 992 Electricity Tajikistan uses 220 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here Travel Warnings here Visa Information here

 

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This page created by: Patrick Kennedy
Creation date: March 2007
Last update: 18 November, 2009
URL: http://www.patricksworldcurrency.com/countries/tajikistan.html