Imomali Rakhmonov
President

(pronounced "ee-MOM-all-i rah-MON-off")

"The people of Tajikistan are not indifferent toward the homeland's destiny, and all are disposed toward peaceful and creative endeavors."

The Republic of Tajikistan borders Uzbekistan to the west, Kyrgyzstan to the north, China to the east, and Afghanistan to the south. Tajikistan is only 20 miles away from Pakistan on one section of its southern border, separated by a narrow Afghan corridor. Tajikistan has a total land area of 143,100 sq km (55,251 sq mi) and is largely mountainous. The Pamir Mountain range, known as the "roof of the world," runs through Tajikistan, China, and Afghanistan. Major administrative subdivisions include the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (an ethnic enclave enjoying theoretical rights) and other regions. The population of Tajikistan was estimated at 6.7 million in 2002.

Tajikistan has been subject to myriad historical influences. While Tajikistan's language and ethnic background are...