Kandahar

Kandahar is a city in southern Afghanistan and the capital of Kandahar Province. Located on the Kandahar Plain near the Arghandab and Helmand river valleys, it has long been a commercial and strategic hub, linking Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent.

Historically one of the region's oldest settlements, Kandahar is traditionally said to have been founded by Alexander the Great and named Alexandria before later becoming Kandahar. In the 18th century it served as the capital of Ahmad Shah Durrani's Afghan empire and remained a political center for much of the 18th and 19th centuries.

In modern times Kandahar has been a focal point of conflict and reconstruction. It was a major center during the 2001 U.S.-led invasion and subsequent insurgency, and security conditions have fluctuated with various military and political changes.

Economy and infrastructure: The city is a market and transport hub for southern Afghanistan, with commerce in agriculture (fruit, pistachios, grains) and livestock. It hosts Kandahar International Airport and the nearby Kandahar Airfield, a historically important military base. The Arg, a historic fortress, stands as a symbol of the city’s past.

Demographics and education: The population is predominantly Pashto-speaking, with minorities speaking Dari. Educational institutions include Kandahar University and other colleges. The city experiences a hot, arid climate with very hot summers and cold winters.