Most of Tajikistan's people are concentrated in its narrow, deep intermontane valleys. In addition to the capital of Dushanbe, other important cities are Khudjand , Uroteppa, and Qurghonteppa. Economy Tajikistan's economy is based on agriculture, livestock raising, mining, and raw-material processing. Karakul sheep, dairy cattle, and yaks are raised. The republic's mountains yield coal, antimony, silver, gold, salt, uranium, mercury, tungsten, lead, and zinc.
Mineral springs provide the basis for numerous health resorts.
Cotton ginning, silk spinning, food processing, winemaking, carpet weaving, metals processing, and the manufacture of textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, and cement are the leading industries. There is some petroleum, and Tajikistan is well provided with hydroelectric resources. Cotton, aluminum, and textiles are exported and fuels, chemicals, and transport equipment are imported. Trade is primarily with other former Soviet republics. The people of Tajikistan are probably descended from the inhabitants of ancient Sogdiana .