Population of Tajikistan

As of 2008, population is estimated at 7,200,000; 80% are Tajik, 15% Uzbek, 1% Russian, 1% Kyrgyz, and 2.6% other. Ethnic minorities are concentrated in specific areas: Uzbeks in the Fergana Valley area in the north; Kyrgyz in the extreme north and west in alpine regions; virtually all Russians and others live in Dushanbe. In addition, many people in Gorno-Badakhshan consider themselves to be a separate ethnic group (Pamiri), though they share a common language and history with all Tajik people. The population growth rate and life expectancy are relatively high for an ex-Soviet republic, at 1.85% and 65 years, respectively.