Tajikistan: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordering Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. More than nine-tenths of the country is mountains, including the high Pamirs, often called the "Roof of the World". It is known for glaciers, turquoise lakes and the old Silk Road.

About Dushanbe

Dushanbe is in western Tajikistan, in the Hisor Valley beside the Varzob River. Its name means "Monday", because the city grew from a village famous for its Monday market.

Fun facts about Tajikistan

1. More than 90% of Tajikistan is covered by mountains.
2. Ismoil Somoni Peak, at 7,495 m, is the country's highest mountain and was once called Communism Peak.
3. The Fedchenko Glacier, about 77 km long, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.
4. Rare snow leopards live high in the Pamir Mountains, hunting wild goats and sheep on rocky slopes.
5. Tajik National Park, in the Pamir Mountains, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of glaciers and high peaks.
6. Marco Polo sheep, a national symbol of Tajikistan, have some of the longest horns of any wild sheep.