World Atlas – Tajikistan

Author: Liu Qiyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Tajikistan is the only landlocked alpine country in southeastern Central Asia, bordering Xinjiang, China to the east. Over 90% of its territory is mountainous, with more than half of the country's landmass above 3,000 meters in altitude. Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy, renowned for its long-staple cotton, abundant mineral resources, and uranium reserves ranking among the world's top. The mining and metallurgy, as well as textile industries, are well-developed. This book provides a comprehensive analysis and description of Tajikistan's geography, politics, culture, and military.
Tajikistan is a multi-ethnic country with 86 ethnic groups. The Tajik ethnic group is the dominant majority, accounting for 70.5% of the total population. Tajiks adhere to Islam, with the majority being Sunni and a minority being Shia. With a long history, Tajikistan is a great and ancient country traversed by the legendary "Silk Road," often referred to as a shining pearl on the Silk Road. The Great Silk Road gained global fame due to the merchants of Bactria and Sogdiana, the ancestors of Tajiks, along with their swift horses and two-humped camels. As early as the 5th and 8th centuries, Panjikent was highly prosperous, boasting magnificent palaces and temples, earning it the title of "treasure of Central Asia." Three major Silk Road routes—Sogdiana, Kanatgum, and Pamir—span the entire country, connecting ancient Persia, Greece, China, and Arab countries. These routes made significant contributions to economic development and cultural exchange. As President Rahmonov of Tajikistan said, "The Silk Road passed through the regions inhabited by Tajiks, bringing not only material wealth but also great cultural and spiritual prosperity."
Tajikistan has endured millennia of changes and finally established its own state—the Samanid Empire—in the 9th century. Ancient cities like Istfanobon and Shastan, with numerous mosques, well-preserved castles, and mausoleums, stand as testaments to its history. The country boasts unique wooden carvings from the 10th to 11th centuries and distinctive architectural styles. The famous religious city of Kurgand is also noteworthy. Historically, Tajikistan has produced many scientists, writers, historians, and poets. Prominent historical figures include Jafar Rudaki, Firdausi, Ibn Sina, and Abu Nasr Al-Farabi.
Tajikistan is relatively rich in natural resources, primarily in non-ferrous and rare metals. Its uranium reserves rank first in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The country is the source of many rivers in Central Asia and home to the world's largest land-based glaciers. Its abundant hydropower resources rank among the world's highest per capita. Hydropower is a major export commodity.
However, Tajikistan's current economic foundation and strength are weak, with a single-industry structure and high dependence on raw material exports. It is one of the least urbanized and poorest countries among the former Soviet republics. During the Soviet era, 50% of Tajikistan's national budget relied on subsidies from the union center, and 54% of its consumer goods were imported from other republics. After independence, due to civil war, the economy regressed by nearly half a century. Today, industry is mainly focused on electricity and the extraction of non-ferrous and rare metals, while agriculture is dominated by cotton cultivation, producing the "white gold" of cotton.