Afghanistan

Country Profile: Afghanistan

Official Name: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Capital: Kabul

Geography:

Located in South-Central Asia, Afghanistan is a landlocked country bordered by Pakistan to the east and south; Iran to the west; Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north; and China to the northeast.

Area: Approximately 652,000 square kilometers (approximately 251,830 square miles).

Population: Approximately 38 million people (as of 2023 estimate).

Language: Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian) are the official languages.

Climate:

With its high altitude, Afghanistan has a dry, continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Economy:

The economy of Afghanistan is largely based on agriculture, which employs about 80% of the population. It also has a significant amount of natural resources, such as natural gas and significant copper deposits.

Government:

As of the last update in September 2021, Afghanistan is under the de facto control of the Taliban, an Islamist militant group, after a swift takeover following the withdrawal of United States forces.

Education:

Education in Afghanistan has been severely affected by years of conflict, but efforts are being made to improve the education system, which is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

Culture:

Afghanistan has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its ancient history and ethnic diversity. It’s known for its oral storytelling tradition, its poetry (notably the works of 13th-century poet Rumi), and its music.

Noteworthy Facts:

Afghanistan was once a key point on the Silk Road, which connected East and West. It’s also home to the world’s largest standing Buddha statues until they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

This is a general overview of Afghanistan. There’s much more to learn about this country, from its complex history to its diverse cultural traditions.