Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

International

Tajik Men Leave Families Behind to Migrate for Work

Every year, 1 million Tajiks are living outside of the country, mostly working as laborers in Russia. Their wages make up a significant chunk of this impoverished country's gross national product. But the absence of one-seventh of the country's population has dramatically altered Tajikistan's demographics, leaving entire communities empty of adult men.

Women are now the de facto heads of households. And with fewer men available, experts say the practice of polygamy is growing.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Advertisement

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.