Country Profile: Tajikistan

Tajikistan, a landlocked country situated in Central Asia, is characterized by its mountainous terrain, which includes the Alay Mountains and the Pamirs. The nation has a population of approximately 10.4 million people, predominantly ethnic Tajiks, with a notable minority of Uzbeks. Economically, Tajikistan remains the poorest of the former Soviet republics, heavily reliant on remittances from its diaspora in Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as on exports of gold, cotton, and aluminum. Governance in Tajikistan is marked by a presidential republic structure, yet elections are often criticized for irregularities, with President Emomali RAHMON wielding significant power since 1992.

Geography

Tajikistan is located in Central Asia, bordered by Afghanistan to the south, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the north, and Uzbekistan to the west. It covers an area of 144,100 square kilometers, characterized by its predominantly mountainous landscape. The climate ranges from mid-latitude continental in the valleys to polar in the high Pamirs, with most of the population residing in the lower elevations.

144,100 sq km: Total area of Tajikistan.
3,186 m: Average elevation above sea level.
7,495 m: Highest point is Qullai Somoniyon.
1,357 km: Length of the border with Afghanistan.
4,130 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.

People and Society

Tajikistan has an estimated population of around 10.4 million as of 2024, with a youthful demographic; approximately 36.9% are under the age of 15. The country is predominantly Muslim (98%), with ethnic Tajiks forming the largest group (84.3%). Tajik is the official language, and literacy rates are relatively high, particularly among women.

22.8 years: Median age of the population.
25.8 births/1,000: Birth rate as of 2024.
71.9 years: Life expectancy at birth.
1.87: Physicians per 1,000 population (2023).
11.7%: Unemployment rate reported in 2024.

Economy

Tajikistan's economy is classified as lower middle-income, heavily dependent on remittances, agriculture, and exports of key minerals. With a real GDP estimated at $50.37 billion in 2024, the country has seen sustained economic growth. Nevertheless, it grapples with issues such as high poverty rates, corruption, and an illicit drug trade.

8.4%: Projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
20.4%: Portion of the population living below the national poverty line (2023).
89.6%: Household consumption as a percentage of GDP (2023).
$14.205 billion: GDP at official exchange rate for 2024.
47.9%: Remittances as a percentage of GDP in 2024.

Government

The Republic of Tajikistan operates as a presidential republic, with significant powers concentrated in the office of the president. President Emomali RAHMON has been in power since 1994, following a civil war that lasted from 1992 to 1997. The government structure includes a bicameral legislature, and elections, while held regularly, have faced criticisms regarding their fairness and transparency.

18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
63: Number of seats in the House of Representatives.
2027: Expected date of the next presidential election.
2 provinces and 1 autonomous province: Administrative divisions.
National holiday: Independence Day observed on September 9.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of Tajikistan include Ground Forces, Mobile Forces, and Air Defense Forces, focusing on border security and combating terrorism. With military expenditures at 1.8% of GDP, Tajikistan cooperates closely with Russia on security matters, and thousands of Russian troops are stationed in the country.

10,000: Estimated number of active personnel in the Armed Forces.
24 months: Duration of compulsory military service for men.
1.8%: Military expenditure as of 2024.
5-10,000: Active personnel in paramilitary forces.
Terrorism Concern: Presence of groups such as ISIS.

Energy

Tajikistan's energy sector is dominated by hydroelectric power, accounting for 92.6% of its installed generating capacity. The country has achieved full electrification for its population, with ongoing efforts to enhance energy production and export capabilities.

100%: Electricity access as of 2022.
6.481 million kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023).
15.275 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
3.101 billion kWh: Electricity exports (2023).
2.394 million metric tons: Coal production (2023).

Environment

Tajikistan faces various environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, soil erosion, and poor water resource management. The country is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues and promoting sustainable practices.

27.9%: Agricultural land use as of 2023.
8.616 million metric tons: Total CO2 emissions (2023).
1.787 million tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024).
21.91 billion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022).
69%: Percentage of land classified as other (2023).

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Tajikistan includes a developing network of roads and railways, with efforts ongoing to improve connectivity. The country has 19 airports and is enhancing its civil aviation capabilities.

19: Number of airports planned by 2025.
680 km: Total length of railways.
1: Heliport available as of 2025.
5: Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for fixed telephone lines (2022).

Communications

Tajikistan is improving its telecommunications sector, with approximately 57% of the population using the internet. Mobile phone subscriptions have grown significantly, reflecting an increased demand for connectivity across the nation.

11.6 million: Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
502,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2021).
57%: Internet user rate as of 2023.
6,000: Total broadband fixed subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	10,394,063 (2024 est.)
Area	144,100 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$50.37 billion (2024 est.)
Energy Consumption	16.192 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	25.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	11.7% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	71.9 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	94.6% female (2017 est.)
Military Expenditure	1.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line	20.4% (2023 est.)