Tajikistan is home to some of the highest mountains in the world including parts of the Kunlun, Himalayan, Tien-shan and Pamir Ranges. Ninety three percent of Tajikistan is mountainous. Earthquakes of varying degrees are frequent. The massive mountain ranges are cut by hundreds of canyons and gorges at the bottom of which run streams.
Flooding sometimes occurs during the annual spring thaw.
A limited land area is arable and there are no permanent crops, meadows, pastures, forests, or woodlands. Tajikistan s climate varies depending on the altitude. Snowfall increases with altitude. The summers are hot and dry. Aluminium production is the major industrial activity.