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Afghanistan is an ancient and historically significant country situated in the heart of Asia, with a civilizational and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Owing to its geographical location, it is often referred to as the “Heart of Asia” and has historically served as a crossroads of strategic routes, civilizations, and commercial caravans.
Afghanistan covers a geographical area of approximately 652,864 square kilometers and occupies a strategically important position between Central and South Asia. It shares Line and borders with Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. The capital city is Kabul, while other major cities include Herat, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, and Nangarhar. The country's terrain is predominantly mountainous, with the extensive Hindu Kush mountain range running through its central region.
According to the 1404 Solar Hijri (2025–2026) population estimates of the General Statistics and Information Authority, Afghanistan's population exceeds 36.4 million. The official languages of Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari. Other national languages include Uzbeki, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi, Nuristani, and Pamiri. Afghans are widely recognized for their hospitality, respect for others, and commitment to preserving and upholding Islamic values. More than 99 per cent of the country's population is Muslim.
Afghanistan is regarded as one of the world's ancient centers of civilization. This land has served as a cradle of Greek, Buddhist, Kushan, Zoroastrian, and Islamic civilizations. For centuries, it formed an important part of the Silk Road, connecting commercial networks between the East and the West. The foundations of modern Afghanistan were laid in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Abdali (Ahmad Shah Baba), who is widely regarded as the founder of the modern Afghan state. Throughout its history, Afghanistan has been home to major dynasties and empires, including the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Suris, and Abdalis. It also formed part of the Seljuk and Khwarazmian Sultanates at different periods. Owing to its strategic geographical position, Afghanistan has historically attracted the attention of major regional and global powers. Furthermore, as a result of the resistance and sacrifices of its Mujahid people against successive foreign invasions, the country has come to be widely referred to as the "Graveyard of Empires," a designation associated with the defeat of three major imperial powers.
A number of distinguished scholars, scientists, poets, and literary figures of international renown are historically associated with this land. These include Imam Qutaybah ibn Muslim al-Baghlani, Imam Ibn Hibban al-Busti, Mawlana Hakim Sanai, Ibn Sina Balkhi (Avicenna), Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, Mawlana Abdul Rahman Jami, Sayyid Jamal al-Din Afghan, and Mawlana Jalal al-Din Balkhi Rumi. Timurid art in Herat, the architectural achievements of the Ghaznavid period, and archaeological remains from earlier historical periods constitute important elements of Afghanistan's cultural heritage. Traditional sports and games, handicrafts, and the diverse range of Afghan cuisine reflect the richness and distinctive character of the country's cultural traditions.
Afghanistan's economy is largely based on agriculture and livestock farming. Its production of wheat, rice, fresh fruits, and dried fruits enjoys particular recognition throughout the region. Afghanistan is also endowed with abundant natural resources, including substantial deposits of lithium, copper, iron ore, gold, petroleum, and natural gas. Given its considerable mineral and natural resource wealth, the country is widely regarded as possessing significant potential for future economic development.
Afghanistan is a member of the United Nations (UN), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and numerous other regional and international organizations. Owing to its strategic geographical position, Afghanistan is regarded as an important crossroads connecting Central, South, and West Asia.
