Kunduz

Kunduz is a city in northern Afghanistan and the capital of Kunduz Province. It is situated on the Kunduz River in the northern plains, near major road and regional trade routes. The city serves as an administrative, commercial, and agricultural center for the province and surrounding districts. Its population is composed of diverse ethnic groups, including Tajiks, Uzbeks, Pashtuns, and Hazaras; languages spoken include Dari (Afghan Persian) and Uzbek, with Dari widely used in administration.

Historically, Kunduz has been part of successive empires and trading networks linking Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. In modern times it developed as a regional hub for commerce and transport. The city has faced repeated conflict since the early 2000s, including insurgent activity during the War in Afghanistan.

In September 2015, Taliban forces briefly captured Kunduz, the first major urban seizure by the group since 2001; Afghan government forces, with air support from international partners, retook the city in October 2015. The 2010s and 2020s saw ongoing security challenges and periodic fighting in and around the city. In 2015, the nearby MSF hospital in Kunduz was the site of a deadly airstrike, drawing international attention.

Economy in Kunduz focuses on agriculture, trade, and light manufacturing, with markets serving as a trading node for goods between Afghanistan's north and neighboring countries. Transportation includes Kunduz Airport, road connections to Mazar-i-Sharif and other northern cities, and proximity to provincial administrative centers. The city hosts several educational institutions, including public schools and a regional university.