Tajikistan Geography

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kyrgyzstan to the north, China to the east, Afghanistan to the south, and Uzbekistan to the west. The geography of Tajikistan is dominated by mountains, which cover 93% of its surface area. The two principal ranges are the Pamir Mountains and the Alay Mountains. These mountains give rise to many glacier-fed streams and rivers, which have been used to irrigate agricultural lands. Nearly 50% of Tajikistan's territory is above 10,000 feet.

Tajikistan has more than 2,000 lakes, most of which are located in the mountains. Some of the major lakes include Iskanderkul, Karakul, Yashilkul, Sarez, Bulunkul, and the Seven Lakes. Lake Sarez is notable for being impounded behind the highest natural dam in the world.

The major rivers in Tajikistan include the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya. The Amu Darya carries more water than any other river in Central Asia. Important tributaries include the Vakhsh and the Kofarnihon, which form valleys running from northeast to southwest across western Tajikistan. Tajikistan has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and very cold winters.