Tajikistan means a nation of “Tajiks” and became independent in 1991 from the former USSR. Most of its population is Tajiks, Uzbeks, Russians and other minorities. Most Tajikistanis are the Sunni Islam believers, with their life-style influenced by Islam. Pamir Mountains, the Roof of the World is a large mountain system extending over the territory of Tajikistan and many of the world's fourteen 8,000m peaks rise in this massive range. This country always welcomes mountain climbers. The nation’s largest festival is the Navruz, a new year in the Iranian calendar. It begins on March 21st or 22nd and during festival days, people visit their relatives, enjoying foods and entertainment.