Tajikistan is a small landlocked country located in Central Asia, bordered by Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. It is the smallest country in the region and is home to around 8 million people. The population is predominantly Tajik (85%) with other ethnicities such as Uzbek (5%), Kyrgyz (3%), Russian (2%) and others making up the remaining 5%.
Tajikistan’s society is largely rural with over 60% of the population living in rural areas and 40% living in cities. Agriculture still remains an important sector of the economy, accounting for around 20% of GDP. The main crops grown are wheat, cotton, tobacco and vegetables.
The official language of Tajikistan is Tajik however, many also speak Russian due to its legacy from Soviet rule. There are also several minority languages spoken including Uzbek and Kyrgyz. However, due to a lack of resources these languages have been largely overshadowed by Tajik or Russian.
Tajikistan has a predominantly Muslim society with 95% of the population adhering to Islam however there are also small minorities practicing Christianity or Judaism as well as some other traditional faiths such as Baha’i or Zoroastrianism. The predominant form of Islam practiced in Tajikistan is Sunni however there are some Shia minorities present as well.
In terms of education levels, literacy rates in Tajikistan remain lower than most other countries in Central Asia, particularly amongst women who make up only 44% of those who can read and write at a basic level compared to 68% for men according to UNDP’s 2018 Human Development Report for Tajikistan. Education levels are improving with increased investments into schools however access remains limited particularly in rural areas where only 56% have access to secondary education compared to 86% in urban areas according to UNDP’s 2017 Education report for Tajikistan.
Cultural events such as weddings remain important social occasions within the country with traditional music being played at these events alongside more modern forms such as pop music from Russia or Europe. Traditional food forms part of everyday life with dishes such as plov (rice cooked with meat) being widely eaten throughout the country alongside dishes influenced by neighbouring countries such Turkish shish kebabs or Afghan mantu dumplings being served at special occasions or gatherings. Sports also play an important role within society particularly football which has become increasingly popular over recent years due partly to its status within former Soviet republics but also because it provides an outlet for people from different backgrounds to come together and enjoy themselves regardless of their differences.
Demographics of Tajikistan
Tajikistan is a small, landlocked country located in Central Asia. It is bordered by Uzbekistan to the west and northwest, Kyrgyzstan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the south, and China to the east. According to wholevehicles.com, it has a population of approximately 9.2 million people. The population is predominantly ethnic Tajiks, who make up around 80% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Uzbeks (14%), Russians (1%), Kyrgyz (1%) and others (4%). The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim (85%), with other religious groups including Shia Muslims (5%), Christians (5%) and other religions (5%). The official language in Tajikistan is Tajik, although Russian is also widely spoken in urban areas.
Tajikistan has one of the highest poverty rates in Central Asia with an estimated 40% of people living below the poverty line. It also has one of the lowest GDPs per capita in Central Asia at US$890. Additionally, life expectancy at birth for men is 64 years while for women it’s 68 years; both are lower than most countries in Central Asia. The unemployment rate was estimated at 11% in 2020 while youth unemployment was estimated at 24%. Education levels are also low with only 60% attending secondary school or higher education levels compared to 90% for neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Poverty in Tajikistan
Poverty in Tajikistan is a major issue, with around 40% of the population living below the poverty line. This rate is one of the highest in Central Asia and has been exacerbated by a number of factors, including low GDP per capita, high unemployment and underemployment, and weak economic growth. The country’s GDP per capita was estimated at US$890 in 2020; this is one of the lowest in Central Asia and significantly lower than other countries in the region such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, unemployment was estimated at 11% while youth unemployment was estimated at 24%. These figures are higher than most countries in Central Asia, indicating that poverty is not just an issue for adults but also for young people who are unable to find employment.
The high poverty rate can be attributed to several factors such as low levels of education among the population. Only 60% of Tajikistan’s population attends secondary school or higher education levels compared to 90% for neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Low education levels limit access to better-paid jobs which further contributes to poverty rates. Another factor contributing to poverty in Tajikistan is its landlocked status which limits access to international markets and reduces potential economic growth opportunities.
The government has implemented various initiatives to reduce poverty levels including providing cash transfers to families living below the poverty line, subsidizing agricultural inputs for farmers, increasing access to credit for small businesses, and introducing job training programs aimed at improving workforce skills. Despite these efforts, however, poverty remains a significant issue in Tajikistan with many people struggling on a daily basis to meet their basic needs. It will require continued effort from both the government and private sector if there is any hope of reducing these high poverty levels over time.
Labor Market in Tajikistan
According to Countryvv, the labor market in Tajikistan is characterized by a number of challenges and limitations. The country is highly dependent on its agricultural sector, which accounts for around 40% of GDP and employs almost half of the working population. This sector is often characterized by low wages and limited job opportunities, making it difficult for people to escape poverty. Additionally, the majority of jobs in the agricultural sector are seasonal or informal in nature, meaning that there is limited job security or access to benefits such as healthcare and pension contributions.
The non-agricultural sector is also dominated by small enterprises and family-owned businesses, which face significant challenges due to lack of resources and access to finance. These firms often struggle to compete with larger businesses due to their limited capacity and are unable to attract skilled workers due to low wages or other benefits. This contributes to a lack of productivity growth in the non-agricultural sector, which further limits employment opportunities.
In addition, Tajikistan suffers from a significant skills gap between the available workforce and employers’ needs. The country has a high youth unemployment rate (24%) due to the lack of relevant skills among young people entering the labor market. There is also a shortage of qualified professionals such as engineers, IT experts, accountants, etc., who are needed for more advanced positions in larger companies or government organizations.
The government has taken steps towards addressing these issues through initiatives such as introducing free vocational training programs aimed at improving workforce skills and providing financial assistance for start-up businesses in order to encourage entrepreneurship. Additionally, the government has introduced tax incentives for large companies investing in Tajikistan’s labor market as well as measures aimed at reducing informal employment through stricter regulation of working conditions and wages.
Overall, despite some progress made by the government there remain significant challenges facing Tajikistan’s labor market including low wages, limited job opportunities in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, an inadequate supply of skilled workers with relevant qualifications or experience required by employers as well as informal employment with little job security or access to benefits such as healthcare or pension contributions. In order for Tajikistan’s labor market to improve it will require continued efforts from both public and private sectors if there is any hope of creating more sustainable economic growth over time.
