Tajikistan’s growth: population doubles alongside environmental efforts

Over the past 35 years, Tajikistan’s population has more than doubled to 10.721 million people as of January 1, 2026, driving growth in cities and demand for improved infrastructure.

Since the early 1990s, the country has seen increases in life expectancy and a young demographic structure with about one-third of residents being children or teenagers.

This growth has led to expansion in urban areas, with the population rising from 1.7 million to 2.8 million, and a significant increase in housing construction, 802,900 square meters were completed in the first half of 2026, 1.5 times more than the year prior. Tajikistan has also focused on expanding its education and healthcare systems to meet the needs of its growing population. New schools, universities, and medical facilities have been built, and more people are accessing these services.

The country’s economy has diversified, shifting away from agriculture and increasing employment in the service sector and industry. Alongside these developments, Tajikistan has prioritized environmental protection. The country increased its protected natural areas more than sevenfold, from 420,000 hectares in 1991 to 3.1 million hectares in 2025, and significantly reduced pollutant emissions, from 656,800 tons in 1991 to 129,900 tons in 2024.

Tajikistan also spearheaded several international initiatives, including the UN’s “Water for Life” decade and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, recognizing ongoing environmental challenges like climate change and glacier retreat.