Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South-Central Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. It features rugged terrain, including the Hindu Kush and arid plains, with rivers such as the Helmand. The capital and largest city is Kabul. The population is diverse, with Dari and Pashto as official languages and major ethnic groups that include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.

Historically a crossroads of empires, Afghanistan became a modern state in 1747 under Ahmad Shah Durrani and gained independence from Britain in 1919. The 20th century featured reforms, wars after the 1979 Soviet invasion, and the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s. A 2001 US-led intervention toppled the Taliban, followed by a 2004 constitution and successive elections. The Taliban regained control in 2021, and the country has since been governed by their movement, with limited international recognition.

The political system since 2021 is a de facto authority led by the Taliban, without broad diplomatic recognition. The state relies heavily on international aid and domestic revenue, while security remains fragile due to insurgent activity and intercommunal tensions. Human rights and freedom of expression are widely restricted in practice, particularly for women and minorities, according to observers.

Afghanistan’s economy is among the poorest in the world, dominated by agriculture and animal husbandry. Opium production and related trade have been longstanding, while mining remains underdeveloped due to conflict. The country depends on international assistance and remittances, and economic shocks have been amplified by sanctions, droughts, and faltering public services.

Societal life centers on Islam, with cultural traditions expressed in poetry, music, crafts, and hospitality. Education and health care infrastructure have deteriorated in many areas but varies by location. Urban centers host universities, media outlets, and civil society groups, while rural areas remain more traditional.