Overview of Afghanistan

Profile

Afghanistan has flourished as a crossroads of East-West trade routes since ancient times, where Greek, Buddhist, and Islamic civilizations intermingled. Currently governed by the Taliban under an Islamic Emirate system based on Islamic law. Mountains cover most of the territory, with agriculture, pastoralism, and mineral resources forming the main industries. Infrastructure and social foundations have been weakened by prolonged conflict and repeated droughts, yet the country holds significant potential for reconstruction and development with its abundant mineral resources and young population.

Official name: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Common name: Afghanistan
Numeric code: 004
Alpha-3 code: AFG
Alpha-2 code: AF
Population: 42.7 million (2024)
Population density: approximately 65 people/km²
Primary languages: Pashto, Dari
Major religions: Islam
National anthem: This is the Home of the Brave (reintroduced in 2021)
Calling code: +93
Internet TLD: .af

History

Considers the establishment of the Durrani Empire in 1747 as the starting point of the modern state; served as a buffer state between Britain and Russia in the 19th century, followed by coups, civil wars, and foreign military interventions from the latter half of the 20th century onward.

Following the establishment of the Durrani Empire, Pashtun dynasties ruled the region. Through three Anglo-Afghan Wars in the 19th century, Afghanistan maintained its independence. The 1979 Soviet invasion led to Mujahideen resistance, followed by the Taliban regime's establishment in 1996, the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 and the establishment of a republic, and the Taliban's recapture of the entire country and declaration of an Islamic Emirate in 2021. Political systems have changed dramatically, with international recognition and national reconstruction remaining ongoing challenges.

Geography & climate

About 70% of the country exceeds 1000m elevation in mountainous terrain. The Hindu Kush mountain range runs east-west, with narrow dry plains spreading across northern and southwestern regions.

Dry continental climate (hot summers, cold winters, inland type)

Area: Asia / 652225 km²
Capital: Kabul
Largest city: Kabul
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Hamun Lake
Bordering countries: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China

Natural resources

Copper, Iron ore, Lithium, Lapis lazuli, Chromium, Gold, Natural gas, Coal, Marble, Saffron

Politics

Government: Islamic Emirate (a system with religious leaders at its apex based on Islamic law)

Economy

Currency: Afghani (AFN)

GDP (nominal): 145.8 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 810 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Pashto, Dari

Time zone: Afghanistan Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Aimaq, Turkmen, Nuristani, Baloch, Kyrgyz

Life expectancy

approximately 64 years

Literacy rate

approximately 43%

National sports

Cricket, Buzkashi, Football, Wrestling, Sepak Takraw