Tajikistan Country Report

Tajikistan is an impoverished landlocked country that is the poorest in Central Asia. The smallest country in Central Asia by area, over 90 per cent of Tajikistan is covered by mountains, with the exception of two valleys to the north and south, where most of its population and industry is concentrated. There are no navigable waterways. Nominally democratic, the presidential republic system of governance has been in place since the end of the civil war in 1997. While elections are held, they are considered neither free nor fair, but to date, the government has managed to avoid violent opposition to its rule and maintain relative stability. Despite a flood of foreign development assistance, the economy and infrastructure of Tajikistan remain in a poor state. Underdevelopment, frequent power outages, pervasive corruption and a lack of abundant natural resources combine to make Tajikistan a generally unattractive destination for foreign investment and business travelers. Though security has improved in recent years, travelers face several potential threats, most notably high crime rates, and the presence of extremists and militia groups. There is growing concern over Islamist terrorism and religious radicalisation. In July 2018, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a car-ramming and stabbing attack that killed four foreign cyclists, highlighting the potential for one-off acts of militancy. Infrastructure can be poor and overland travel is hazardous, particularly in rural areas. Medical care and facilities are limited.

Tensions with neighboring Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan periodically result in border skirmishes, while the Tajik-Afghan border zone is largely porous and populated by militants. There is growing concern over the Islamic State (IS) and religious radicalisation. In July 2018, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a car-ramming and stabbing attack that killed four foreign cyclists, highlighting the potential for one-off acts of militancy. On November 6, 2019, 17 people were killed in an armed attack targeting a security post in the Rudaki district on the Tajik-Uzbek border. Those arrested acknowledged their affiliation with IS. Crime is a growing problem in major cities and rural areas. Petty and opportunistic crimes present the main threat. Protests are rare and dissent is not tolerated by the government.

Flights in Tajikistan may be canceled or significantly delayed, and flights are generally considered unsafe.

Road conditions are generally poor and driving habits erratic. Travel in border areas is complicated by insecurity due to the presence of militias and criminal elements.

There are no seaports in Tajikistan.

Public utilities can be poor in rural areas, and power outages are common in winter.

The country is considered an attractive target for cyberattacks. Its defenses against such an attack are thought to be weak.

Earthquakes do occur frequently, but these are mostly minor in strength. However, Tajikistan’s poor infrastructure means that even minor quakes can cause damages. Avalanches occur in winter, and landslides take place in spring. The borders between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, including the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys, are laden with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Medical care and facilities in Tajikistan are limited, and there is a shortage of basic medical supplies. TB, typhoid and cholera occur, and malaria is present in some parts of the country. Tap water is not considered safe to drink.

Tajikistan is a unitary multi-party presidential republic. The President is the head of state and the actual head of government. The President, the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. Presidential elections take place once every seven years. The parliament, or the Supreme Assembly, consists of Assembly Representatives (lower house) and the National Assembly (upper house) and exercises legislative power. Parliamentary elections take place once every five years. President Emomali Rahmon and the People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan have ruled the country since 1994. Rahmon has accumulated informal power and influence, and controls the Tajik administration. The judiciary is nominally independent of the executive and the legislature but is widely regarded as corrupt and under the control of the President and his relatives.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are not required to form the government. Government collapses are uncommon. State institutions are unreliable and ineffective.