Final answer:
It is true that Tajikistan was the poorest republic during the time of the Soviet Union. Despite having natural resources, its economy was less developed, and it faced challenges during and after its transition to independence, including a civil war and continued economic hardship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Tajikistan was the poorest republic during the time of the Soviet Union is generally considered true. Tajikistan was one of the less economically developed regions within the Soviet Union, and since its independence in 1991, it has faced significant challenges. The country witnessed a devastating civil war between 1992 and 1997, suffered from political instability, and had a reliance on aid and debt restructuring from other nations such as Russia and China. Even today, Tajikistan faces economic hurdles, with a large portion of its workforce abroad and high levels of unemployment.
Tajikistan's transition to independence was marked by numerous struggles. The Soviet system had created a framework that dictated economic and social structures, with the nation being heavily involved in cotton and silk production. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the loss of this system, and Tajikistan did not have a sufficient market economy in place to adapt quickly. It relied on international aid, including a significant bridge project funded by the US to facilitate connections with Afghanistan.
In terms of demographics, Tajikistan has a population of approximately 7.3 million, with a significant portion being young—under the age of 15. Despite having natural resources similar to those found in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan's economy lags in development and is unable to fully capitalize on these resources. Additionally, about half of its labor force works abroad due to limited job opportunities at home, and many rely on remittances sent back by these overseas workers.