History
Afghanistan means a Land of the Afghan's, is a mountainous land-locked country located in Central Asia. It has a history and culture that goes back over 5000 years. Throughout its long, splendid, and sometimes chaotic history, this area of the world has been known by various names. In ancient times, its inhabitants called the land Aryana. In the medieval era, it was called Khorasan, and in modern times, its people have decided to call it Afghanistan.
Afghanistan has four major ethnic groups: Pashtoons,
Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. Numerous
other minor ethnic groups like Nuristanis, Baluchis, Turkmens, etc
also call Afghanistan their home. While the majority of Afghans
(99%) belong to the Islamic faith, there are also small pockets
of Sikhs, Hindus and even some Jews. The official languages of the
country are Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian aka
Farsi).
The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, which throughout history, was admired by many great figures, such as the great Central Asian conqueror, Zahirudeen Babur. Unfortunately, due to many years of war, this great city has been shattered and nearly destroyed.
When you think Afghanistan Imagine!
Afghanistan is among the poorest countries in the world. Situated in Central Asia, it shares borders with Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China and Pakistan.
- Remains very poor and dependent on foreign aid and support.
- The economy and the infrastructure remains in ruins.
- More than 700,000 refugees have been forcibly repatriated
back to Afghanistan
- 7 million are vulnerable to food shortages
- 87% of the population do not have access to clean and safe
water
- 1 in 3 children die before they reach their 5th Birthday
- Less than 2% have access to healthcare.
- Average life expectancy is 40 years for men and 43 years
for women.
Today, Afghanistan is on a road to recovery, however, after decades of war, the economy is still in ruins, and its environment is in a state of crises. After pushing the date back twice, at last Afghanistan's presidential elections were finally held on October 9, 2004. Over 8 million Afghans voted in the elections. The Joint Electoral Management Body of Afghanistan certified the elections on November 3rd, and declared Hamid Karzai, the interim President, the winner with 55.4% of the votes.
