Afghanistan

circa 500 BCE – Region part of the Achaemenid Empire

330 BCE – Conquered by Alexander the Great

7th century CE – Introduction of Islam

1747 – Establishment of the Durrani Empire (considered the foundation of modern Afghanistan)

19th century – Anglo-Afghan Wars; buffer state between British and Russian empires

1919 – Afghanistan gains full independence from British influence (date of modern state formation)

1979–1989 – Soviet-Afghan War

1996–2001 – Taliban rule

2001 – U.S.-led invasion; establishment of Islamic Republic

2021 – Taliban regain control; Islamic Emirate re-established

2022–2025 – Ongoing humanitarian and economic crises; international recognition remains limited

Location: South-Central Asia
Capital: Kabul
Language: Pashto and Dari (both official)
Currency: Afghan Afghani (AFN)
Population: ~41 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Afghanistan Time (AFT, UTC+4:30)*

Borders: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China
Landscape: Rugged mountains (Hindu Kush), deserts, fertile valleys
Major Rivers: Amu Darya, Helmand, Kabul River
Notable Features: Hindu Kush Mountains, Wakhan Corridor

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, Baloch, others
Religion: Predominantly Islam (Sunni majority, Shia minority) (last updated: 2021)
Urban Population: ~25% (last updated: 2023)
Population Challenges: High fertility rate, significant refugee diaspora (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Rich history, poetry, traditional music, handicrafts
Cuisine: Kabuli pulao, mantu, kebabs, naan, green tea
Arts: Carpet weaving, calligraphy, miniature painting
Sports: Buzkashi, cricket, football (soccer)

Economy Type: Developing, largely informal and agriculture-based
GDP: Approx. $20 billion USD (estimated; last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Agriculture, mining, textiles, small-scale manufacturing
Key Exports: Fruits, nuts, carpets, gemstones, opium (illicit)
Unemployment Rate: High; exact figures vary due to informal economy (last updated: 2024)
Economic Notes: Heavily reliant on foreign aid; infrastructure challenges persist

Government Type: Islamic Emirate (as of 2021 takeover by Taliban)
Head of State: Hibatullah Akhundzada (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Functions suspended; governance through decrees
Constitution: Previous constitution suspended; governance based on Sharia law

Kabul: Historical sites, bazaars, cultural institutions
Bamiyan: Buddhas of Bamiyan (destroyed), scenic valleys
Herat: Ancient citadel, Islamic architecture
Mazar-i-Sharif: Blue Mosque, Nowruz celebrations
Natural Beauty: Panjshir Valley, Band-e Amir National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 2 (last updated: 2023)