Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. It is known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, as more than 90 percent of the country is covered by mountains, including parts of the Pamir range. The ancient Silk Road passed through the region, leaving a rich cultural and historical heritage.
- Capital
- Dushanbe
- Continent
- Asia
- Region
- Central Asia
- Area
- 143,100 km²
- Coordinates
- 39° N, 71° E
Country facts
- Tajik is the official language and is closely related to Persian (Farsi).
- The Pamirs, sometimes called the 'Roof of the World,' cover much of eastern Tajikistan.
- Tajikistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- The country experienced a devastating civil war from 1992 to 1997 following independence.
- Navruz, the Persian New Year celebrated on the spring equinox, is a major national holiday.
Capital facts
- Dushanbe's name means 'Monday' in Tajik, reflecting its origins as a Monday market town.
- The city became the capital when Tajikistan was established as a Soviet republic in 1924.
- The National Museum of Tajikistan in Dushanbe houses one of the largest collections of artifacts from the region.
- Rudaki Avenue is the city's main boulevard, named after the celebrated 9th-century Persian poet Rudaki.
- Dushanbe sits in a valley along the Varzob River, surrounded by mountain ranges.