Gorno-Badakhshan

Autonomous oblast (region) in eastern Tajikistan, bordering on Kyrgyzstan to the north, Afghanistan to the south, and China to the east; area 63,700 sq km/24,595 sq mi; population (1996) 167,000. The main cities are Khorog and Shazud. The main economic activity is raising goats, sheep, and yaks.

The oblast was created in 1925, after Bolsheviks had secured the area. After Tajik independence in 1991, in the civil war between pro-communists and Islamic forces that erupted in 1992, Gorno-Badakhshan was strongly Islamic. Following the victory of the former communists, no Tajik government aid has been given to the region, moves for greater autonomy have been suppressed, and rebel guerrilla activity continues along the Afghan border

Physical The entire province is located on the high mountain plateau of the Pamirs; the highest summit is Communism Peak (7,495 m/24,590 ft), which lies on the northeastern border of the region.