About Tajikistan

The map shows Tajikistan, a landlocked republic in Central Asia. The country lies north of Afghanistan, southeast of Uzbekistan, and south of Kyrgyzstan, and it borders China to the east.

With an area of 143,100 km², the country is about less than half the size of Italy, or slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

Tajikistan has a population of 10.5 million people (in 2025). The main ethnic groups are Tajiks (86%) and Uzbeks (11%). Spoken languages are Tajik (a variety of Persian spoken in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan by Tajiks). Russian is the official interethnic language. Tajikistan is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country; over 90% of the population identifies itself as Muslims. Capital and largest city is Dushanbe (Душанбе).

More about Tajikistan


Tajikistan, officially the Republic of Tajikistan, is a landlocked country in Central Asia.

The former Soviet Republic is known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes and remote high-altitude terrain. Mountains cover over 90% of Tajikistan. The Pamir and Alay Mountains dominate the landscape of the country. These mountain ranges are among the highest and most rugged regions in the world.

Towering Ismoil Somoni Peak, once known as Communism Peak and Stalin Peak, reaches 7,495 m. Fun fact: it was the highest point in the former Soviet Union.

Tajikistan lies in a seismically active zone. Its landscape offers deep valleys, narrow gorges, and glacial rivers. Among them are the Vakhsh and Panj rivers, both major tributaries of the Amu Darya.

In the west, the multi-ethnic Fergana Valley is shared by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and northern Tajikistan.

The eastern part of Tajikistan is known as the Badakhshan Mountainous Autonomous Region, a vast, sparsely populated plateau with a raw beauty and a harsh climate.

Tajikistan is, together with Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and Lesotho, among the most mountainous countries in the world; its rugged geography has played a key role in its history and culture.

Major Rivers of Tajikistan

• Panj River
  The Panj River forms much of the border with Afghanistan. The source of the Amu Darya carves through steep valleys and is vital for irrigation and hydropower.
  
  
• Vakhsh River
  The Vakhsh River is one of the country's most important rivers. It flows from the Pamirs westward and merges with the Panj to form the Amu Darya. The Nurek Dam on the Vakhsh River is a 304 m (997 ft) high embankment dam; it is the second-tallest human-made dam in the world.
  
  
• Amu Darya
  Though it only touches southern Tajikistan, the Amu Darya remains one of the region's great rivers. Formed by the confluence of the Panj and Vakhsh rivers.
  
  
• Syr Darya
  The Syr Darya River originates in the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. The river flows through Uzbekistan, the Sughd province of Tajikistan, and southern Kazakhstan to the northern remnants of the Aral Sea.
  
  
• Zarafshan River
  The Zarafshan River flows through northern Tajikistan into Uzbekistan. Historically called the "Spreader of Gold," it is a lifeline for the cities of Panjakent and beyond.
  
  
• Kofarnihon River
  Kofarnihon River is a tributary of the Amu Darya that flows through central Tajikistan and the capital, Dushanbe. Crucial for urban water supply and agriculture.
  
  

Lakes of Tajikistan

• Karakul Lake
  A large, high-altitude lake in the Pamirs, lying within an ancient meteorite impact crater. Its stark, moonlike surroundings make it one of the most striking places in the country.
  
  
• Sarez Lake
  Sarez Lake was formed by a massive landslide in 1911; it is a natural dam lake located deep in the Pamirs. Scientists monitor it closely due to potential flood risks downstream.
  
  
• Iskanderkul
  Iskanderkul is a turquoise alpine lake named after Alexander the Great (Iskander in Persian). Surrounded by steep cliffs, it's a popular destination for both scientists and travelers.
  
  
• Yashilkul
  The Yashilkul is a remote glacial lake in Tajikistan's eastern Gorno-Badakhshan region. The pristine lake is located in the heart of the Pamir Plateau.
  
  

Mountains

The Seven Thousanders of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan features the Pamir Mountains, also known as the "Roof of the World." The country is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world outside the Himalayas.

• Ismoil Somoni Peak
  At 7,495 m, Ismoil Somoni is the highest mountain in Tajikistan and in the entire Pamir Mountains. The mountain is named after the founder of the Samanid dynasty.
  
  
• Lenin Peak
  The 7,134 m high Lenin Peak is located on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border in the Trans-Alay Mountains. The peak is relatively easy to access and is popular with high-altitude mountaineers.
  
  
• Independence Peak (Pik Independentsii, previously known as Revolution Peak)
  The 6,974 m high mountain is part of the majestic Academy of Sciences mountain range. It is the same massif in the Western Pamir where Ismoil Somoni is located.
  
  
• Korzhenevskaya Peak
  At 7,105 m, Korzhenevskaya Peak is another giant of the Pamirs that is often climbed in preparation for Ismoil Somoni. It is known for its steep ascents and beautiful ridgelines.
  
  
  
  

Strategic Passes and Borders

• Wakhan Corridor
  This narrow strip of Afghan territory separates Tajikistan from Pakistan. It's part of the historic Silk Road and provides a remote and fragile border between Central and South Asia. The Panj River runs along much of this boundary.
  
  
• Kulma Pass (Qolma)
  Tajikistan's only road connection with China. The pass connects the Pamir Highway with the Karakoram Highway in the China's Xinjiang province. The Kulma Pass was opened for trade in 2004; it lies at an elevation of 4,362 meters.
  
  
• Anzob Pass (Closed):
  Once a vital route connecting the capital Dushanbe with northern Tajikistan, the high-altitude Anzob Pass (3,372 meters) is now closed to traffic. It has been replaced by the Istiqlol Tunnel, a safer all-season alternative running beneath the mountains.
  
  
• Kyzylart Pass
  Situated in the far east, this high-altitude crossing leads into Kyrgyzstan. It lies on the ancient trade routes across the Pamir Plateau and is part of the famed Pamir Highway.
  
  
• Shakhristan Pass
  Shakhristan Pass is an important mountain pass in northwestern Tajikistan. The pass links the northern part, including the Ferghana Valley, with the south of the country. The mountain road is known for its dramatic scenery and its essential role in connecting the southern and northern regions.

Tajik Cities
Tajikistan's largest cities

• Dushanbe
  The capital and largest city of Tajikistan is located in the fertile Gissar Valley in the west of the country. Dushanbe is located at the confluence of the Varzob and Kofarnihon rivers. It is the country's political, cultural, and economic center. The city is known for tree-lined avenues, museums, and Soviet-era architecture. It is home to statues of Avicenna, Buddha, Lenin, Rudaki and Omar Khayyam, among others.
  
  
  
• Khujand
  Khujand is the country's second-largest city. It is located on the Syr Darya River in Tajikistan's northern part. It is one of Central Asia's oldest cities; it was once part of Alexander the Great's empire.
  Today, Khujand is a major industrial and transport hub in the Fergana Valley.
  
  
  
• Kulob (Kulyab)
  Kulob is situated in the south near the Afghan border; it is one of Tajikistan's oldest settlements. The city is known for its historical significance and is the birthplace of several national leaders. Kulob has a strong cultural identity and is a regional center in Khatlon Province.
  
  

• Bokhtar (formerly Qurghonteppa)
  Bokhtar is a growing city in southern Tajikistan and the administrative capital of Khatlon Province. The city is an important agricultural center, located in a densely populated lowland area.
  
  
  
• Istaravshan
  Istaravshan, formerly Uroteppa, is located southwest of Khujand. The city is rich in history and traditional crafts. Once known as Ura-Tyube; it is famed for its old town, blue-domed mosques, and hand-forged knives.
  
  
  
• Panjakent
  Panjakent is situated in the Zeravshan Valley near the border with Uzbekistan. The town lies along historical Silk Road routes and is close to the ancient ruins of old Panjakent, a major Sogdian city. Sogdia or Sogdiana was an ancient Iranian civilization between the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya in Central Asia.
  
  
  
• Khorugh (Khorog)
  Khorugh is a high-altitude city in the Pamirs, near the Afghan border. The town is the administrative center of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and one of the most remote cities in the world. It is home to the University of Central Asia and a lively cross-border market.