Afghanistan

Geography

• Located in central Asia.
• Oldest oil paintings found here.
• Highlighted features include ulendt fjellterreng, dype daler og hye fjell.
• Noshaq is the highest mountain at 7492 meters.
• Hindu Kush mountain range extends from the northeast to the southwest.
• Inland climate with hot summers and cold winters.
• Issues: drought, soil erosion, and lack of clean drinking water.

History

• Important trade route since ancient times, part of the Silk Road.
• Influenced by Persians, Greeks, Tajiks, Mongols.
• Became independent in the 1700s under Ahmad Shah Durrani.
• Conflict with British India in the 19th century.
• 1979: Soviet invasion to support the communist regime.
• 1989: Soviet withdrawal led to civil war.
• 1996: Taliban took power, imposing strict Islamic laws.
• 2001: U.S. invasion post 9/11 attacks.
• 2021: Taliban regained control following U.S. withdrawal.

Society and Politics

• Islamic republic with a federal structure.
• 34 provinces, split further into 398 districts.
• Previously governed by a president and two vice-presidents.
• Political future uncertain post Taliban takeover in 2021.

Economy and Trade

• Impacted by decades of war and conflict.
• Rich in minerals like coal, copper, iron ore, oil, and natural gas.
• Economy heavily reliant on international aid and illegal opium production.
• Economic growth since the fall of Taliban in 2001.

Key Statistics

• Population: 43,844,111 (2025).
• Capital: Kabul.
• Languages: Dari (official), Pashto (official), Uzbek, Turkmen, over 30 others.
• Religion: Sunni Muslims 84.7%, Shia Muslims 10-15%.
• Area: 652,860 km².
• Currency: Afghani.
• GDP per capita: 1,674 PPP$.
• National Day: August 19.

Human Development

• Ranked 181/192 in the Human Development Index.
• Challenges include unemployment, undernourishment, and lack of access to clean water.

Environmental Impact

• Ecological footprint is 0.5 earths per person.
• CO2 emissions per person: 0.22 tons.

Education and Literacy

• 9 years of expected schooling.
• Literacy rate: 3.7 out of 10 can read and write.

Global Relations

• Member of the United Nations since November 19, 1946.

References

• Afghanistan Conflict Profile 2001-2021
• Al-Qaida Conflict Profile