Nasa Satellite image of Tajikistan
Tajikistan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. It is a former Soviet republic and has partially developed hydroelectric resources as a legacy of the Soviet era including the Nurek Dam on the Vakhsh River, in 2008 the highest dam in the world at 300 meters. Tajikistan is a headwaters region where 40% of the surface water of Central Asia originates. Cotton is the principal export crop produced by Irrigation.
Tajikistan has ambitious plans for further hydroelectric development and irrigation projects but has difficulty attracting private investment or international funds. There is potential conflict with downstream nations.
External links and further reading[]
- "Tajikistan Hopes Water Will Power Its Ambitions" article by David L. Stern in The New York Times August 31, 2008