Afganisztán

Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country in South Asia located within Central Asia and Western Asia. It shares borders with Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, and Tajikistan to the northeast. The country has a population of approximately 39 million people, with Kabul serving as its capital and largest city. Afghanistan is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Hindu Kush mountain range in the east to the deserts of the south and the fertile plains of the north.

The history of Afghanistan dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation from the Paleolithic era. It has been influenced by various empires, including the Achaemenid, Greek, Kushan, Arab, Mongol, Safavid, and Durrani empires. The modern nation-state of Afghanistan was established in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Durrani, who founded the Durrani Empire. The country has experienced significant political instability, with periods of monarchy, communist rule, and civil war. The Soviet-Afghan War (1979–1989) and the subsequent civil war led to widespread destruction and displacement, followed by the Taliban's rise to power in the 1990s.

Afghanistan is predominantly Muslim, with the majority following Sunni Islam, though there are also significant Shia Muslim communities. The country is ethnically diverse, with Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and other groups making up its population. Pashto and Dari (a Persian dialect) are the official languages, while Pashto is the most widely spoken.

The economy of Afghanistan is primarily agrarian, with agriculture contributing significantly to GDP. Major crops include opium poppies, wheat, and fruits. The country also possesses substantial mineral resources, including lithium, copper, and iron ore. However, economic development has been hindered by decades of conflict, corruption, and limited infrastructure.

Since 2001, Afghanistan has been a focal point of international attention due to its role in the War in Afghanistan, which began following the 9/11 attacks in the United States. The Taliban regained control of the country in August 2021 after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, leading to a new political landscape and ongoing humanitarian challenges.