Independence:
September 9, 1991 (from Soviet Union);
Adjacent Countries: Afghanistan (south),
China (east), Kyrgyzstan (north), Uzbekistan (west); Click
Here for a map
Government: Republic; Capital:
Dushanbe Chief of State: President Emomali RAHMONOV (since 6 November 1994) Head of Gov't: Prime Minister Oqil OQILOV (since 20 January 1999)
Population (July 2001 est.):
6,578,681
Infant mortality rate (2001 est.):
116.09 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth (2001 est.): Total Population: 64.18 years Male: 61.09 years Female: 67.42 years
Ethnic groups: Tajik - 64.9% Uzbek - 25% Russian - 3.5% (declining because of emigration) other - 6.6%
Religions: Sunni Muslim - 80% Shi'a Muslim - 5%
Languages:
Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and business
Literacy: (definition: age 15 and over can
read and write)(1989 est.) Total Population: 98% Male: 99% Female: 97%
