Khojand, formerly known as Leninabad, is the second largest city in Tajikistan. It is located at the mouth of the Fergana Valley and houses a population of about 150,000 inhabitants. The city is the capital of the Sughd Province and also a major industrial and cultural centre.

The climate of Khojand is continental in nature with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The city receives moderate rainfall, most of which is received in summers; occasional snowfall is also experienced. Humidity levels are high throughout the year.

Earlier, Khojand was a part of the Persian Empire. The city was merged with Tajikistan in 1992. It has been an active city, economically as well as culturally. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people, followed by textiles, carpets and leather.

Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, is located in the fertile Gissar valley at the height of 803 metres above the sea level in the extreme west of the country, about a one-hour drive from the bor...