Geography

Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia, bordered by Kyrgyzstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Afghanistan to the south and China to the east. It covers an area of 143,100 square kilometres and has a population of around 11 million people.

Location#

Tajikistan sits in the heart of Central Asia, and more than 90% of its terrain consists of rugged mountain ranges. The Pamir Mountains, known as the Roof of the World, lie in the southern part of the country and contain its highest peaks. Ismoil Somoni Peak, formerly Communism Peak, is the highest point in Tajikistan; Kongur Tagh is the second highest.

The country also has several valleys and basins, including the Fergana Valley in the north. The valley is one of the most fertile regions in the country and its principal agricultural area, and it has long been a centre of settlement and trade.

Rivers and Lakes#

Several rivers rise in the high mountains and flow out into neighbouring countries. The Amu Darya and the Syr Darya are the two largest, and both are important sources of water for irrigation and other uses across the wider region.

Tajikistan also has a number of lakes, among them Sarez Lake in the Pamir Mountains, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the world. The lake was formed by an earthquake, and its remote setting has made it a destination for visitors willing to reach it.

Climate#

The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, and it varies considerably by region. The lower-lying areas are more temperate, while the higher regions are far more severe.

The Pamir Mountains have a subarctic climate, with low temperatures and heavy snowfall for much of the year. The Fergana Valley is milder, with warm summers and cool winters, which is part of why it supports so much of the country's agriculture.

Natural Resources#

Tajikistan holds substantial reserves of minerals, water and timber. It has mines producing gold, silver and other precious minerals, is a major producer of aluminium, and has a well-developed hydropower sector built around several large hydroelectric stations.

Forests cover approximately 10% of the country and provide both timber and non-timber resources. The water resources are significant in their own right: the large rivers and lakes supply irrigation across the lowlands and drive the hydroelectric stations that generate most of the country's electricity.