In 2015, the population of Tajikistan amounted to 8.5 million people. This figure has quadrupled over the past fifty years. The population of Tajikistan is 0.1 of the global population. Thus, every 1 person out of 999 is a citizen of this state.
The population of the Republic of Tajikistan in dynamics
In 1951, 1.6 million people lived in the state. This is five times less than now. In the early 1960s, the population of Tajikistan for the first time exceeded two million. In 1970, 2.875 million people lived in the country, and in 1972 - 3.063. The threshold of 3, 000, 000 was overcome in 1982. During this period, 4.089 million people lived in Tajikistan. In the following years, the pace of population growth accelerated somewhat. Already in 1989, the threshold of 5 million was overcome. However, it should be noted that the largest population growth rate was recorded in 1963. Then it amounted to 3.94%. The lowest population growth rate was in 1998 - 1.27%. In 1999, a little over six million people lived in the country. Low population growth rates were recorded from 1995 to 2000. Then the population began to increase faster. In 2007, 7.024 million people lived in Tajikistan. Six years later, the threshold of 8, 000, 000 people was overcome. In 2015, about 8.389 million people lived in Tajikistan.
Modern demographic situation
As of January 1, 2016, the population of Tajikistan is 8.577 million people. This is 2.24% more than in the past. It is estimated that at the beginning of 2017, 8.769 million people will live in Tajikistan. A positive natural increase is expected. The birth rate in 2016 exceeds the death rate by 217.339 thousand people. According to experts, emigration will remain at the level of 2015. This means that because of it, the population of Tajikistan will decrease by 25045 people. In 2016, 729 babies were born per day. This is about thirty per hour. The population density of Tajikistan, according to December 2016, is 60.2 people per square kilometer. About 33.9% of citizens are under 15 years old, and 3.4% are over 65. Most of the population belongs to the age group from 15 to 64. Life expectancy at birth is 66 years.
About 99.77% of the adult population are literate. For men, this indicator is 99.83%, for women - 99.72%. For residents between the ages of 15 and 24, the literacy rate is even higher. It is equal to 99.86%. They have been studying at school for 12 years. However, less than 90% of the population complete them.
Trends
The main ethnic group in the population of Tajikistan are ethnic Persians, who descended from the ancient East Iranian peoples of Central Asia. Also represented are Uzbeks, Kyrgyz and Russians. However, they are in the minority. Until the beginning of the 20th century, residents used the following signs for self-identification: residency and the geographical location of the residence. Until the end of the 19th century, Tajiks and Uzbeks did not perceive each other as two different nationalities. The situation changed artificially after the formation of four Soviet republics in Central Asia in the 1920s.
The population of Tajikistan has a tendency to increase. High fertility and mortality rates are characteristic of developing countries, to which this state belongs. A distinctive feature is the low life expectancy.
Ethnic composition
If we consider how many people in Tajikistan belong to the dominant group, then this is about 84.3%. About 13.8% of the inhabitants are Uzbeks. And only 2% - Kyrgyz, Russian, Turkmen or Arabs. The bulk of the population are Muslims. Among them, 85% are representatives of the Sunni trend.
Language groups
The official is Tajik. Most of the population can speak it. The country also speaks several Persian dialects. Many speak Russian. It is widely used by educated people, as well as in business. The broadcast network has Russian-language channels, and wealthy families often send their children to study in the Russian Federation. This state of affairs is connected with the Soviet past of Tajikistan. Ethnic minorities use their native languages in everyday communication.
