About Afghanistan

Population: 29,363,000
Capital City: Kabul
Official Language(s): Pashto and Dari (Persian)
Currency: Afghan Afghani
Calling Code: +93

Afghanistan is located in Southern Asia but over time has been variously categorized with both the Central Asian and Middle Eastern states (depending on the definition!). Southern Asia is generally regarded to encompass Iran to the west across through Pakistan and India to Burma in the east.

Afghanistan shares a major 2,400 kilometre border with Pakistan in the east and south, whilst to the West lies Iran. Borders also exist with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and indeed China at the far north-eastern tip.

In many ways the ambiguity in classifying Afghanistan within its region is testament to its history and diverse cultural and ethnic makeup. It has long been considered a prominent crossway between east and west – partially due to the fact it straddles Asia and the Middle East and was therefore a focal point of most trade routes. Much human migration has passed through Afghanistan over centuries too.

The state of Afghanistan that exists today was originally established in 1747 though various civilisations have inhabited the land throughout history. Human occupation is believed to date back 50,000 years.

Afghanistan’s recent history has been marked by conflict. Following the 9/11 attacks on New York, US and British forces began targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban strongholds within the country. In November 2001 the incumbent Taliban government was removed prompting al-Qaeda to move east toward the Pakistan border.

Hamid Karzai has been President since December 2001 but the country remains politically fragile due to deep rooted disagreements between rival factions. As of late 2010 the war is ongoing. Barack Obama has stated he wants to begin withdrawing troops in July 2011 (though an American presence will presumably remain for many years to come), whilst British Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to withdraw all British forces by 2015.

Afghanistan is comprised of several ethnic groups – the two largest of which are the Pashtun and Tajik peoples. In excess of 99% of the population is Muslim, of which approximately 85% are Sunnis.

Persian poetry is a staple of Afghan culture. It plays a major role not only in the arts, but it is deeply enshrined in education and the wider way of life. Amongst Afghanistan’s national sports is ‘Buzkashi’ – a game with parallels to polo involving a goat carcass instead of a ball.

The prevailing Afghan way of life places a high importance on personal honor and loyalty. Afghanistan’s development has been stifled partially by perpetual ‘clan’ feuding and disputes (many of which are ultimately resolved through fighting).

For 30 years Afghanistan has experienced a near constant state of civil war with bitter divisions present in society. Social, political and military turbulence is likely to remain for many years.

Safety and Special Considerations

Afghanistan is currently out of bounds to even the most adventurous travellers due to the ongoing NATO led invasion.

Entry Requirements

Afghanistan is inaccessible to travellers.

Must See

Many of Afghanistan’s great landmarks bear the scars of war – two beautiful statues of Buddha located in the Province of Bamiyan were torn down by the Taliban, for example.

Beautiful, preserved sites do remain, however, in the cities of Herat and Balkh, for example. The stunning Minaret of Jam in Ghor province is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The historic blue mosque in Mazar-e Sharif Afghanistan