| Rugged and mountainous, Tajikistan sits at the heart of Central Asia on the old Silk Route. Persians, Mongols, Turks, Afghans and Russians have all over the centuries occupied this area. |
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| For years the Russians recognised it both as a gateway to India and as a buffer against Afghanistan. However after the collapse of the Soviet Union long standing clan-based tensions erupted into violence. The political situation today is fairly settled but security, particularly in border areas, is poor. |
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| Apart from a small area to the south of the capital all the country is mountainous. The highest ranges are in the east where the Pamir Mountains contain some of the loftiest peaks in Asia rising to over 6,000 metres (19,700 ft). Spectacular scenery with deep gorges and wide passes can be found along the Pamir Highway between Khorog to Osh. |
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| Apart from a small area to the south of the capital all the country is mountainous. The highest ranges are in the east where the Pamir Mountains contain some of the loftiest peaks in Asia rising to over 6,000 metres (19,700 ft). Spectacular scenery with deep gorges and wide passes can be found along the Pamir Highway between Khorog to Osh. |
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| Mountain weather is bitterly cold during the winter with snow showers at any time. All of the highlands are snow covered by November, but this melts at lower levels with the onset of spring in April. Summer temperatures are comfortable further down the mountains, with very little rain and plenty of sunshine. |
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| In the far southwest of the country lies a lowland river plain. This fertile region supports extensive cotton fields, the country's main export. Summers in the lowlands tend to be dry and hot with plenty of sunshine. A few showers develop during the winter months and it can become cold, but most of the plain remains snow-free. |
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| Tajikistan lies in a very active seismic belt and is prone to many earthquakes every year. |
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