Overview
Dushanbe, on the Varzob River, is the capital of Tajikistan. On the east bank of the river is Rudaki Park, named for the classical poet. A statue of him stands under an ornate mosaic arch. Nearby is a massive Tajik flag, flying from a towering flagpole. The ancient Tajik warrior Ismoili Somoni is commemorated with a statue and gilded arch. Archaeological finds are displayed at the National Museum of Tajikistan.
The city makes up 20% of Tajikistan’s GDP and has large industrial, financial, retail, and tourism sectors. Parks and main sights of the city include Victory Park, Rudaki Park, the Tajikistan National Museum, the Dushanbe Flagpole, and the Tajikistan National Museum of Antiquities.
Tajikistan is among the countries with the greatest potential for hydroelectric power in the world, and most of the electric power generated in Tajikistan is hydroelectric. Some of the fast-flowing mountain streams have been exploited as hydroelectric power sources.