Tajikistan

329 BCE (exact date unknown): Alexander the Great conquers parts of present-day Tajikistan

8th Century (exact date unknown): Arab conquest and introduction of Islam

1220 (exact date unknown): Mongol Empire invasion of Central Asia, including parts of Tajikistan

1868 (exact date unknown): Tajikistan becomes part of the Russian Empire

1929 (October 16, Wednesday): Establishment of the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union

1991 (August 31, Saturday): Tajikistan gains independence from the Soviet Union

1992 (May 7, Thursday): Civil war begins between government forces and opposition groups, resulting in thousands of deaths

2000 (May 3, Wednesday): The Tajik government and opposition reach a peace agreement, ending the civil war

2005 (October 6, Thursday): Tajikistan experiences severe floods that result in significant property damage

2010 (January 18, Monday): Earthquake in the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border area, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure

2016 (December 10, Saturday): A major earthquake strikes the region near the Pamirs, causing casualties and property damage

2020 (March 23, Monday): COVID-19 pandemic impacts the country, leading to public health measures and economic slowdowns

2022 (April 12, Tuesday): Heavy flooding in the Khatlon region displaces thousands of residents

2023 (June 24, Saturday): Droughts severely affect agricultural production in southern Tajikistan, impacting food supplies

Continent: Asia
Location: Central Asia, bordered by Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and China
Capital: Dushanbe
Language: Tajik (official), Russian (widely used)
Currency: Somoni (TJS)
Population: ~9.6 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Tajikistan Time (TJT) / UTC +5

Borders: Kyrgyzstan (north), Uzbekistan (west), Afghanistan (south), China (east)
Landscape: Mountainous, with vast ranges such as the Pamirs and the Tien Shan
Major Rivers: Amu Darya, Syr Darya
Major Mountains: Pamir Mountains (known as the “Roof of the World”), Fann Mountains, Tien Shan
Deserts: Kyzylkum Desert (southern part of the country)
Lakes: Lake Sarez (reservoir formed by a landslide)
Volcanoes: No active volcanoes reported
Highest Point: Ismoil Somoni Peak (7,495 m / 24,590 ft)
Lowest Point: Vaksh River Valley (300 m / 980 ft)
Climate: Continental, with cold winters and hot summers; high-altitude areas are colder
Geological Features: Tectonic plate movements create high mountains and valleys, with landslides and earthquakes being common in the mountainous regions

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Tajik, with minority groups including Uzbeks, Russians, Kyrgyz, and others
Religion: Predominantly Shia Muslim (Ismaili branch), Sunni Muslim, small minority of Russian Orthodox Christians
Urban Population: ~27% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~6% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Persian heritage, silk road history, music, and poetry
Cuisine: Plov (pilaf), manti, kebabs, somsa, shorpo
Arts: Persian classical music, traditional poetry (including Rumi), embroidery, and carpet weaving
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, wrestling, and boxing

Economy Type: Mixed economy (with a heavy reliance on agriculture and remittances from migrant workers)
GDP: Approx. $9 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture (cotton, fruits, and grains), aluminum, mining (gold and silver), energy, textiles
Key Exports: Aluminum, cotton, fruits (apples, grapes), electrical energy
Unemployment Rate: ~9.5% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: The lowland regions are suitable for agriculture, while the highland areas are less developed and more focused on mining and hydropower

Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of State: President Emomali Rahmon (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Majlisi Oli)
Constitution: In effect since 1994, with amendments

Dushanbe: National Museum, Ismaili Centre, Rudaki Park
Gissar Fortress: Ancient fortifications from the 16th century
Fann Mountains: Trekking and mountaineering opportunities, stunning lakes
Pamir Mountains: Known as the “Roof of the World,” offering breathtaking views and cultural heritage
Lake Sarez: A natural reservoir formed by a landslide in 1911, located in the Pamirs