Republic of Tajikistan – is the smallest one territorially among all the countries in the Central Asian region, located in the southeastern part of it. Its area is only 143 thousand square kilometers. However, such a small area does not prevent the country to be one of the most interesting tourist and climbing facilities in the former Soviet space.
Tajikistan – used to be an original edge of the striking natural contrasts, 93% of its territory covered by mountains, which are considered the most beautiful in the whole Central Asia.
The country has great historical heritage, unique culture, a favorable geographical location, the variety of natural landscapes and recreational areas, interesting flora and fauna.
Just over one trip, fitted into a small time interval, you will be able to visit all the seasons, to see alpine tundra with its permafrost, as well as to enjoy subtropical flowering, fruiting valley and glaciers in the cold mist of centuries-old fogs, alpine meadows, amazing with colors and the deserts scorched by the heat of sun.
However, this country is not for lovers of overwhelming comfort. Due to certain circumstances, not least of which became economic difficulties associated with the development of independence. Thus, the development of tourism infrastructure here is very difficult.
Although, this is what can be considered one of the major «bargaining chips» for lovers of the exotic.
Tajikistan – is absolutely unique country, where there is nothing artificial, made especially for the tourists or the introduction of other cultures. Civilization has not quite entangled it with its grasping networks. There are not any noisy, bustling cities, no highways, no soreness ubiquitous and neon signs. There are only nature, traditional lifestyle and a sincere, kind, beautiful in their simplicity, people.
General information.
Republic of Tajikistan — is the state, situated in Central Asia, bordered on the west and north-west with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan — on the north, on the east — with China and Afghanistan on the south.
The climate of the country — is sharply continental, characterized by large seasonal and daily fluctuations of temperatures and dry air. Depending on the height and nature of the terrain and climate here are the following types:
— Areas with hot summers and mild winters;
— Regions with hot summers and cold winters;
— The areas of moderately continental climate;
— Areas of extreme continental climate;
— Districts of climate of alpine deserts.
The country’s territory is 143 100 thousand square kilometers.
At the same time, its population reaches 7 million 200 thousand people.
The ethnic composition is expressed as following: the indigenous population, the Tajiks is 68.8%, Uzbeks — 24.9%, Russian — 3%, Kyrgyzstan — 1.1%, other ethnic groups (Germans, Turkmens, Koreans, Ukrainians and others) — 2.2%.
The capital of Tajikistan used to be Dushanbe city, with a population of 562 thousand people.
Official language is Tajik (belonging to the group of Persian languages). However, the languages of business and international communication are English and Russian.
Political system.
According to the accepted Constitution on November 6, 1994, the Republic of Tajikistan is a unitary state with presidential form of government. President of the Republic nowadays is Emomali Rahmoni, who holds office already for 17 years and was re-elected twice — in 1999 and 2006 years.
Tajikistan is officially a secular state, but 97% of the population is Muslims Hanafis persuasion (Sunni Muslim) and 3% — Orthodox Christianity.
State Symbols of Tajikistan.
Flag.
The national flag of Tajikistan — is the rectangular panel, made due to 1:2 proportions and consists of three horizontal stripes of different colors. At the top and bottom of it equal-sized red and green stripes are placed. In the middle of the flag there is white, which is half of the bands’ width of the fringing it components.
In the center of the white field of the flag a fragment of the state emblem is placed- a stylized golden crown, shaded by a semicircle of seven stars.
The official version of the flag description claims: «The green part of the cloth — this is the valley of the country that is very small, no more than 7% of the territory. The rest of it is mountainous. The white stripe represents the color of the main wealth of the state — cotton, as well as high color of the ice and snow. Red component of the flag symbolizes the unity and brotherhood of Tajikistan with the other peoples of the world. »
Country flag is a symbol of national independence, a strong alliance of workers, peasants and intellectuals, as well as friendship and brotherhood of all nations and nationalities living in Tajikistan.
The official date of the adoption of the national flag is officially considered — 25 November of 1992 year.
State emblem.
Emblem of the Republic of Tajikistan is a stylized image of a gold crown surmounted by a semicircle of seven stars in the light of the rising sun over the mountains. This image is placed in the center of the crown, which consists of wheat ears on the right side and twigs of the ripened cotton — on the left. At the very top, the crown is twigged with a tricolor ribbon and there is the book on a stand in the lower plane.
In the color scheme the flag follows the basic tones of the national flag of the country, which are: white, red, green and gold.
The State Emblem of Tajikistan was officially adopted in 1993 year on December 28.
Anthem.
The song of «Surudi Milli» is used as the national anthem of the country since 1991 year, the authors of it are: Gulnazar Keldiev and Suleiman Yudakov. Such composition is a spokesman for the inviolability of the principles of friendship and brotherhood to unite all peoples and nations of the country.
At official events Anthem is to be listed standing.
Those people, who are guilty of insulting state symbols of the Republic (Emblem, Flag, Anthem), may be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Monetary unit.
Tajikistan has introduced its own state-currency -Somoni of 100 dirams, only in 2000 year. Prior to that event, everywhere in its territory Ruble was used. Until 1995 year it was the Russian currency, and then it was replaced by the Tajik ruble.
The currency of the country gained its name after the founder of Tajik state — Ismail Samani (Original from Tajiks — Somoni).
Public holidays.
New Year — January 1
International Women’s Day — March 8
Navruz — March 21-24
Labor Day — May 1
Victory Day — May 9
National Unity Day — June 27
Knowledge Day — September 1
Independence Day, September 9
Constitution Day — November 6
National Army Day — February 23
Celebrations connected with the religious calendar.
Ramadan
Idi Qurban
Visa procedures.
Every foreigner crossing the border state of Tajikistan should have the following documents: a valid passport or other identity document and a visa. The exceptions are citizens of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, who do not require for visa the entry.
Specific requirements for identity documents of the visitor: Passport must be valid at least six months from the date of obtaining a visa to Tajikistan. Entry visa can be issued directly in the Dushanbe airport on arrival (at other border crossings of Tajikistan state, such procedures are not provided) or at the embassy or consular offices of diplomatic missions of Tajikistan abroad.
Terms of registration and application fee directly depend on the purpose of visit and length of stay in the country.
In the absence of a visa, traveler may be required the immediate departure from the country the same way as he arrived in Tajikistan.