 The country
Tajikistan has impressive mountains but few opportunities for its population of seven million. Many Tajik men travel to Russia to find work and stay there for months at a time, leaving villages with only women, children and retired men. Most inhabitants are Muslim Tajiks — a Persian people group — although there are substantial minorities of Russian, Uzbek and Pamiri people. ChristianityFolk Islam predominates here. There are around 5,000 Tajik believers and twenty official fellowships. However, very few traditional Tajiks have been reached and Christian witness is largely limited to larger towns. Currently the government is tolerant of evangelical Christians although proposed new laws, tightening the requirements for churches, may limit freedoms in the future.
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"The best things about Tajikistan are the people and the beautiful mountains." |  |
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Cultural insight "I love the tradition here of placing your hand on leftover bread and then kissing your hand and touching your forehead. It's a physical prayer of thanks that there was enough food left over." |
Fast FactsCapital city Dushanbe Population 7.3 million Ethnic groups
Tajik 79.9%, Uzbek 15.3%, Russian 1.1% Religions
Sunni Muslim 85%, Shi'a Muslim 5%, Eastern Orthodox 1.1% Languages
Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business Scripture
The complete Bible was first published in 1992. Literacy 99.5% Link to Lonely Planet website/Tajikistan Detail map: map of Tajikistan |
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"People are hospitable, open and friendly." |  |
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