“Tajikistan, the farthest limits will be yours!”
but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”(Joshua 17:18,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Central Asia
Population | 9.12 million
Area | 144,100㎢ Located in southeastern Central Asia, bordering China
Capital City | Dushanbe (960,000 people)
People Groups | Total 39 groups, Tajiks 74.8%, Uzbeks 11.8%, Kulobis 8.7%, others 4.7%
People Groups Unreached | 31 (99.5% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Tajik
Total Languages | 31
Bible Translations | Completed 16, New Testament 1, Partial 7
Religion | Christianity 0.42% (Protestantism 0.06%, Orthodox Christianity 0.3%), Islam 99.4% Evangelicals 0.07% 6,300 people
》 About Tajikistan
Tajikistan became a Soviet republic in 1929 and gained independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapsed. From 1992 to 1997, the country suffered a civil war caused by regional and ideological conflicts between former communist forces and Islamic factions. The war resulted in 50,000 deaths and forced one-tenth of the population to flee the country. During the conflict, Emomali Rahmon, from the previously marginalized southern region, established a strong presidential system in 1992. Since 1994, Rahmon has ruled as president, maintaining a strict authoritarian regime. Elections lack freedom, corruption and abuse of power persist, and opposition activities are banned. In 2015, constitutional amendments approved through a referendum allowed him unlimited terms and lifelong immunity, and he declared himself the “Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation.” Rahmon is currently serving his fifth term as president, as of 2020. In 2002, Tajikistan had territorial disputes with China over areas in the Pamir Mountains and also faces ongoing border conflicts with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The economy heavily relies on mining, metal processing, agriculture, and remittances from overseas workers. As a poor, mountainous country, less than 7% of its land is suitable for crops, leading to the import of about 70% of its food. Tajikistan is also or a major transit point for drugs, with narcotics trade estimated to contribute 30-50% of its GDP. Millions of Tajik citizens work abroad, mostly in Russia, and the country depends heavily on their remittances. Tajikistan’s GDP per capita is approximately $3,700.
》 Scripture Focus
| Joshua 17:14-18(NIV) 14 .The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” 15. “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.” 16. The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.” 17. But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18. but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. The Tajikistan government enforces strict religious laws to counteract Islamic extremism, promoting secularism. Religious activities are banned for those under 18, and wearing hijabs in public institutions is prohibited. Since the enactment of the 2009 “New Religion Law,” Christian churches have faced increased surveillance, with most being deregistered or shut down. Persecution of converts to Christianity has risen, and access to Bibles remains limited. Many Christians have emigrated, leaving only about 0.4% of the population identifying as Christian, including Russian Orthodox and Catholics. Meanwhile, sects like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-Day Adventists are active, but churches lack unity and the knowledge to counter them. Despite these challenges, the hope for transformation in Tajikistan lies in the power of the gospel. Pray for churches to stand firm in faith, boldly proclaim the gospel, and overcome fear.
2. Around 26.3% of Tajikistan’s population lives below the poverty line, with 83% struggling to meet basic living standards. Many Tajiks migrate to Russia, Europe, the U.S., or even South Korea for work. Pray for unity between Tajik diaspora churches in Russia and local churches within Tajikistan, so they can cooperate in evangelism and missions. Domestic churches face challenges due to limited theological education and leadership skills among pastors, requiring support from mission organizations. Over 200 underground churches operate in Dushanbe, and some send missionaries to neighboring ethnic groups. Pray for labor migrants to encounter the truth of the gospel while abroad and return home transformed, ready to share Christ. May the Tajik people see their identity as a powerful nation under God, freed from poverty, and devoted to missions.
3.Uzbek people, who make up 11.8% of the population (1.15 million), have lingering tensions with Tajiks due to disputes over borders and territory, particularly in areas like Samarkand and Bukhara. Similar conflicts exist with Kyrgyzstan over regions like Farkhor and Tursunzoda, as well as the Pamir Highlands. Pray for peace between these ethnic groups and for the gospel to replace conflict and resentment with reconciliation. Efforts are needed to reach the Tajik ethnic majority, the largest unreached group, as well as six small Muslim tribes in the Pamir region who have never heard the gospel. These groups follow Ismaili Islam and live in spiritual isolation. Pray for missionaries and churches to boldly bring the truth to these areas, clearing spiritual strongholds and becoming instruments of salvation.
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