Uzbek is also spoken. English is frequently spoken by those involved in tourism. Religion Predominantly Sunni Muslim with a large Ishmaeli minority in the Pamir and a smaller and shrinking Russian Orthodox minority. There is also a small Jewish community. Because of the distance from the sea and the shelter of the Pamir and Himalaya ranges to the south and southeast, it is a rather dry region considering its height.
Winters are cold but spring comes earlier than farther north.