Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. With a population of more than 40 million, it sits at the crossroads of Central and South Asia and has historically served as a key route for trade and migration.
The country’s terrain is dominated by the Hindu Kush mountain range, which divides much of the nation and has shaped its social and economic development. Kabul is the capital and largest city. Afghanistan is ethnically diverse, with Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks among its largest communities. Dari and Pashto are the official languages.
Modern Afghanistan has experienced decades of conflict. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, triggering a prolonged war. Following the Soviet withdrawal, civil war led to the rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s. After the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States, a US-led coalition removed the Taliban government. In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power as foreign troops withdrew.
Afghanistan’s economy remains fragile, heavily dependent on agriculture and international aid. The country faces significant humanitarian challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and restrictions on women’s education and employment under the current administration.
