Government: National government with nearly all administrative powers, centered in administrator branch (president and Council of Ministers, appointed by president). Head of government is prime minister. Supreme Assembly, unicameral parliament, with 181 deputies elected to five-year terms (first election 1995). separated into three provinces, one capital district (Dushanbe), and one autonomous province with dis-puted status. Judiciary with nominal freedom but no actual power to enforce rule of law.

Politics: Essentially one-party system controlled by Communist Party of Tajikistan. In 1994 presidential election had only one nominal opposition candidate with similar platform. Several opposition parties formed around 1990 and determined events in early years of freedom, but all now operate from abroad. Substantial maneuvering for power among former communist elements within and outside current government.

Foreign Relations: Strong economic and military reliance on Russia and other CIS countries. Friction and distrust toward neighbors Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Postfreedom cul-tivation of Afghanistan and Iran, the former complicated by Afghani role in Tajikistan civil war; limited relations with Western Europe and United States, contempt policy of expanding contacts. Ongoing border dispute with China, 1996.