Tajikistan

The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and it is now in the process of strengthening its democracy and transitioning to a free market economy after its 1992-97 civil war. There have been no major security incidents in recent years, although the country remains the poorest in the former Soviet sphere. Attention by the international community in the wake of the war in Afghanistan has brought increased economic development assistance, which could create jobs and increase stability in the long term. Tajikistan is in the early stages of seeking World Trade Organization membership and has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 7,076,598

Nationality (Noun): Tajikistani(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Tajikistani

Official Language(s): Tajik

Major Languages Spoken: Kirghiz, Pushtu, Russian, Uzbek, Tajik

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Tajikistan

Country Name (short form): Tajikistan

Country Name (local long form): Jumhurii Tojikiston

Country Name (local short form): Tojikiston

Name of Capital: Dushanbe

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Tajikistan: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, China

Land Area: 142700 sq km

Water Area: 400 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Total Land Boundry: 3,651 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)

National Holiday: Independence Day (or National Day), 9 September (1991)

International Phone Code: 992

Currency Code: somoni (TJS)

Internet Country Code: .tj

US Embassy Location: 109-A Ismoili Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe 734003

US Embassy Mailing Address: 7090 Dushanbe Place, Dulles, VA 20189