Zaranj

Zaranj is the capital of Nimruz Province in southwestern Afghanistan, located near the border with Iran. It functions as the provincial administrative center and as a key cross-border trading gateway between Afghanistan and Iran.

Nimruz is one of Afghanistan's more sparsely populated provinces. The city is inhabited largely by Pashtun and Baloch communities and serves as a commercial hub for residents of Nimruz and neighboring border areas. The surrounding region is arid and sparsely cultivated, with irrigation-based agriculture supporting a limited local economy.

The economy of Zaranj centers on cross-border trade and services. A major infrastructure project, the Delaram–Zaranj Highway, connects Zaranj with Delaram in western Afghanistan and links the Afghan road network with Iran’s system, facilitating trade routes toward the Iranian port of Chabahar. The town hosts a border crossing with Iran that handles customs and passenger movement, contributing to regional commerce and employment.

Security and governance in Zaranj have been affected by Afghanistan's wider conflict, with periods of instability and armed clashes nearby. Local administration and Afghan security forces, along with international partners at various times, have conducted operations to maintain order and protect trade routes.

Climate in Zaranj is arid and hot in summer, with cool winters. The population relies on limited water resources and irrigation in the surrounding oases to sustain agriculture and livelihoods.