Rahimjon is an exchange student from Tajikistan who came to the United States through the FLEX program. Tajikistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia with a population of 7 million. The capital is Dushanbe and the official languages are Tajik and Russian. Tajikistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and Islam is the dominant religion. Rahimjon shares details about Tajik culture such as traditions around food, dress, holidays, and sports.

1. Hello everybody!!! My name is Rahimjon

2. I am Exchange Student I passed the I Future Leaders Exchange “FLEX” exam and came to the United States of America Every year 2500 exchange student come with this program to High Schools of USA. This program chooses the students from the countries that were previously in the Soviet Union.

3. I come from the “Land of the Tajiks” Tajikistan

4. Geographical Position Tajikistan

5. Geographical Position

6. National Flag country's purity and the cotton industry Independence and the land itself Tajikistan's agriculture

8. Life expectancy : 64 years (men) 69 years (women)

12. Quran -is the book of guidance and direction for Muslims Quran the holy book of Islam similar to the Bible and the Torah The Quran is always written by Arabic To show respect for the Quran, you must have clean hands, and hold the book carefully

13. Mountains in Tajikistan

14. Lakes & Rivers

15. HYDRO POWER STATIONs

16. Factories & Industry

17. Domestic animals

18. HISTORICAL PLACES

19. Navruz HOLIDAYS -Is celebrated every year from the 21st till 22nd of March -Symbolizes the coming of spring -From this day the day and night become equal -From this day people begin their work in farms

20. Independence Day -September 9 , 1991 -Big celebration with a parade

21. MY CITY “KULOB”

22. Dress

26. It is our tradition not to make noise during mealtime asking questions and talking so much.

27. When the whole family is gathering at the table the oldest member of the family begins reception of the food and then the others.

28. After the reception of the food the oldest member of the family says the praying “Omin” and only then the family members can leave the table

29. Most of Tajik people eat with fingers.

31. Gestures The people sit cross-legged on the floor Use entire hand to motion direction Respect is shown by looking down while speaking to someone People usually pass items with the right hand The left hand placed on the heart or supporting the right arm

32. Sports -hill walking -goat grabbing -mountain climbing -Football is a popular sport. The Tajikistan National Football Team competes in the FIFA and AFC leagues

33. Any Questions?

34. Thanks for your attention!!!