Afghanistan

Afghanistan
Original: Taliban Vector: Lexicon · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Capital	Kabul
Largest city	Kabul
Official languages	Pashto, Dari
Government type	Unitary totalitarian theocracy under a provisional government
Leader title1	Supreme Leader
Leader name1	Hibatullah Akhundzada
Leader title2	Prime Minister
Leader name2	Hasan Akhund (acting)
Area km2	652,864
Population estimate	43,372,950
Population estimate year	2024

Afghanistan. Officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, it is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China, its strategic location has made it a historic focal point for trade and conflict. The country is characterized by a rugged Hindu Kush mountain range, diverse ethnic groups including the Pashtuns and Tajiks, and a complex political history marked by foreign interventions and internal strife.

History

The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, with early urban centers like the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex. It formed part of ancient empires including the Achaemenid Empire, the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great, and the Maurya Empire. The Silk Road passed through cities such as Balkh and Herat, facilitating cultural exchange. The Islamic conquest of Afghanistan began in the 7th century, leading to the establishment of Muslim dynasties like the Ghaznavids and the Timurid Empire. In the modern era, the Durrani Empire was founded by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the Great Game rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire, including the Anglo-Afghan Wars. The Saur Revolution in 1978 triggered the Soviet–Afghan War, involving the Mujahideen and leading to the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s. The United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 followed the September 11 attacks, toppling the Taliban government and leading to a protracted conflict until the 2021 Taliban offensive and subsequent return to power.

Geography

Afghanistan is dominated by the Hindu Kush mountains, which run northeast to southwest and include peaks like Noshaq. The northern plains near Mazar-i-Sharif form part of the Amu Darya basin, while the southwestern region consists of deserts such as the Registan Desert. Major rivers include the Helmand River and the Kabul River, the latter flowing into the Indus River in Pakistan. The climate is predominantly arid to semi-arid, with harsh winters in the central highlands. The Wakhan Corridor provides a narrow strip of territory bordering China and Tajikistan. Natural resources include significant deposits of copper at Mes Aynak, iron ore, and lithium.

Government and politics

The current government is the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a theocratic emirate led by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Power is centralized in Kabul, with authority derived from a strict interpretation of Hanafi jurisprudence and Pashtunwali code. The Taliban's Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice enforces social policies. No national elections are recognized, and the United Nations has not granted the administration a seat. The former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, supported by the International Security Assistance Force, collapsed in 2021. Relations with neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran remain complex, often involving issues of border security and water rights.

Economy

Afghanistan's economy is one of the world's least developed, heavily reliant on agriculture and foreign aid. Major crops include opium poppy (making it a leading producer of opium), wheat, and fruits like pomegranates and grapes. The mining sector holds potential with untapped resources like the Hajigak iron ore mine. Key trade routes include the Ring Road and connections through the Chabahar Port in Iran. The currency is the Afghan afghani, managed by Da Afghanistan Bank. The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have suspended financial assistance following the 2021 political change. The informal economy and remittances from the Afghan diaspora are significant.

Demographics

The population is estimated at over 43 million, comprising numerous ethnic groups. The largest are the Pashtuns, followed by Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Aimaq, Turkmen, and Baloch. Official languages are Pashto and Dari, with other languages including Uzbek, Turkmen, and Balochi. Islam is the state religion, with the majority following Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school; the Hazaras predominantly practice Shia Islam. Urban centers include Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Mazar-i-Sharif. High rates of refugees and internally displaced persons have been a persistent issue, with many fleeing to Pakistan and Iran.

Culture

Afghan culture reflects its historical position along the Silk Road, with Persian, Turkic, and Indian influences. Poetry is highly esteemed, with figures like Rumi (born in Balkh) and Khushal Khattak. The national sport is buzkashi, a traditional horseback game. Music includes instruments like the rubab and dhol, though public performance has been restricted under Taliban rule. Cuisine features dishes such as kabuli palaw and mantu. Important archaeological sites include the Minaret of Jam and the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the latter destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The Nowruz festival is widely celebrated, particularly in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Category:Landlocked countries Category:Countries in Asia