Afghanistan

Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country in Central and South Asia. It touches Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, Tajikistan to the northeast, and China to the northeast and east. The land is mostly mountains with some flat areas. Its capital city is Kabul.

People have lived in Afghanistan for a very long time. Many armies have marched through the land, including famous leaders like Alexander the Great. Many different cultures and religions have shaped the area over time.

In recent years, Afghanistan has had many wars and changes in leaders. In 2021, a group called the Taliban took control. Today, Afghanistan is trying to rebuild. The country still faces challenges like poverty and growing its economy. Afghanistan has valuable resources such as lithium. It is also known for making saffron and cashmere.

Etymology

Main article: Name of Afghanistan

Some people think the name Afghān comes from an old word in Sanskrit, called Aśvakan. This word means "horsemen" or "horse breeders". Long ago, the word Afghān was used to talk about a group of people called Pashtuns.

The ending "-stan" means "place of" in the Persian language. So, "Afghanistan" means "land of the Afghans" or "land of the Pashtuns". The name was first written down in a book from the year 1000. It became the official name of the country in the year 1855, when British leaders recognized Dost Mohammad Khan as the king of Afghanistan.

History

Main article: History of Afghanistan

Prehistory and antiquity

Main article: Ancient history of Afghanistan

See also: Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan

Old sites show that people lived in what is now Afghanistan at least 50,000 years ago. Farming communities there were among the earliest in the world. Afghanistan was an important place for early history, and many think it is as important as Egypt. Artifacts from many times have been found there. Urban life began as early as 3000 BCE, and the city of Mundigak (near Kandahar) was a center of culture. Findings show a large civilization reached toward modern Afghanistan. An important place was found on the Oxus River at Shortugai in northern Afghanistan.

After 2000 BCE, people from Central Asia moved south into Afghanistan, including many Indo-European-speaking groups. These groups later moved into South Asia, Western Asia, and toward Europe via the area north of the Caspian Sea. The region was called Ariana. By the middle of the 6th century BCE, a group took control and included parts of Afghanistan. An inscription mentions the Kabul Valley as one of the countries taken over. The region of Arachosia, around Kandahar, played a key role in sharing ideas.

Alexander the Great and his forces came to Afghanistan in 330 BCE after defeating another leader. Following Alexander, a group controlled the region until 305 BCE, when they gave much of it to another group. They controlled the area south of the Hindu Kush until about 185 BCE. The Silk Road began in the first century BCE, and Afghanistan thrived with trade to China, India, Persia, and north to cities in Uzbekistan. Goods and ideas were shared, such as Chinese silk and Persian silver.

Medieval period

Main articles: Muslim conquests of Afghanistan, Mongol campaigns in Central Asia, and Ghaznavid campaigns in India

A group brought a belief to Herat and Zaranj in 642 CE and began spreading eastward. Before this, the region had various beliefs. The and Kabul Shahi were taken over by Muslims in 870 CE. The rose to power in the 10th century.

By the 11th century, had defeated rulers and filled the region with a belief. He made Ghazni an important city and supported learners. The dynasty was overthrown by the Ghurids in 1186. The Ghurids were taken over by the in 1215.

In 1219 CE, and his Mongol army took over the region. His troops destroyed the cities of Herat and others. Mongol rule continued until the invasion of Timur in 1370. Under , Herat was a center of culture.

In the early 16th century, arrived and captured Kabul. He took over the who ruled the Delhi Sultanate. Between the 16th and 18th century, Uzbek, Iranian, and Indian groups ruled parts of the land.

Hotak dynasty

Main article: Hotak dynasty

In 1709, , a local leader, fought against them and established his own kingdom. Mirwais died in 1715, and was succeeded by his brother , who was killed by Mirwais's son Mahmud. Mahmud led the Afghan army to the Persian capital of , capturing it after the Battle of Gulnabad. The Afghan dynasty was removed from Persia after the 1729 Battle of Damghan.

In 1738, Nader Shah captured Kandahar from Shah . Soon after, Persian and Afghan forces invaded India. Nader Shah was killed in 1747.

Durrani Empire

Main article: Durrani Empire

See also: Ahmad Shah Durrani

Ahmad Shah launched campaigns into Khorasan in 1750–1751 and 1754–1755.

Barakzai dynasty and British wars

Further information: Dost Mohammad Khan, Herat (1793–1863), Maimana Khanate, Principality of Kandahar, European influence in Afghanistan, Anglo-Afghan Wars, Durand Line, and Afghan Civil War (1928–1929)

By the early 19th century, the Afghan empire faced threats from the west and east. , leader of the tribe, installed his brothers in power. Fateh Khan was killed in 1818 by . This led to rebellion and civil war. Afghanistan split into many states.

and the Afghan army failed to take over the from the , but killed a leader.

In 1893, Abdur Rahman signed an agreement dividing Pashtun and territories by the Durand Line, the modern border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He was known as the "Iron Amir" for his tough methods. He died in 1901, succeeded by his son, .

During the First World War, when Afghanistan was neutral, Habibullah Khan met officials of the in the Niedermayer–Hentig Expedition. They asked Afghanistan to join them and attack British India. The effort failed, but it caused unhappy feelings about staying neutral with the British. Habibullah was killed in February 1919, and eventually took power. He invaded British India, beginning the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

After the Third Anglo-Afghan War and the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919, Emir Amanullah Khan declared Afghanistan a sovereign and fully independent state. He introduced changes to modernize the country. King Amanullah's wife, , was an important leader in the fight for women's education.

Some changes caused unhappy feelings among leaders, leading to civil war. King Amanullah gave up his position in January 1929. , Amanullah's cousin, defeated and killed Kalakani in October 1929, and was declared King Nadir Shah. He was killed in 1933 by .

Mohammed Zahir Shah succeeded to the throne and reigned from 1933 to 1973. Afghanistan joined the League of Nations in 1934. In the 1930s, the country saw development of roads, buildings, and education. Zahir Shah ruled with the help of his uncle until 1946, when another uncle became prime minister. In 1973, Daoud Khan took over and became the first president of Afghanistan, ending the monarchy.

Democratic Republic and Soviet War

Main articles: Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, Soviet–Afghan War, and [Afghan Civil War (1989–1992)](/wiki/Afghan_Civil_War_(1989–1992)

Further information: History of Afghanistan (1978–1992)

In April 1978, the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan took control in a takeover, called the Saur Revolution. This led to conflict and unrest. The Soviet Army invaded in December 1979, killing Amin. Soviet troops were sent to support the government.

The Soviet–Afghan War lasted nine years and caused many deaths and displacement.

Post–Cold War conflict

See also: Afghan Civil War (1992–1996), Afghan Civil War (1996–2001), Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001), and Northern Alliance

Another fight began after a mixed government was created. The Taliban emerged in 1994 and took control of Kandahar. They took over Kabul in 1996, setting up an emirate. The Taliban were criticized for harsh treatment of many Afghans.

After the Taliban took Kabul, the Northern Alliance formed to fight them. On 9 September 2001, Massoud was killed by attackers in Panjshir Valley.

US invasion and the Islamic Republic

Further information: War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Taliban insurgency, and [Fall of Kabul (2021)](/wiki/Fall_of_Kabul_(2021)

In October 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan to remove the Taliban from power. During the invasion, US and UK forces attacked camps, and the Taliban government ended.

In December 2001, the Afghan Interim Administration was formed. The International Security Assistance Force was set up to help give security. Many foreign helpers began rebuilding the country.

The Afghan government set up democratic buildings, taking a constitution in 2004. Attempts were made to improve the country's economy and services. ISAF forces trained the Afghan National Security Forces. Nearly five million Afghans returned to their country.

On 19 February 2020, the United States–Taliban deal was made. Following the deal, the US reduced air attacks, leading to the Taliban taking over Kabul.

Second Taliban era

Further information: Aftermath of the Afghanistan War (2001–2021)

NATO agreed to begin leaving Afghanistan in April 2021. The Taliban attacked and took Kabul on 15 August 2021. Several leaders were taken out of the country, and many Afghans tried to leave.

The Taliban government is led by supreme leader and acting prime minister , who took office in September 2021. A new group was formed. Western countries stopped most help to Afghanistan. More than half the population faced serious lack of food.

The Taliban have worked to reduce unfair use of power. The situation for people has gotten worse, with many needing help with food.

On 10 November 2024, Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry said Taliban leaders would go to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. In May 2025, Iran said it would send Afghan people back to Afghanistan.

The lack of food in Afghanistan is one of the worst in the world, with over 17 million people needing urgent help.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country in Southern-Central Asia, often called the "Heart of Asia." It is landlocked, meaning it has no coastline. The country is slightly bigger than France and smaller than Myanmar.

Afghanistan shares borders with several countries. To the east and south, it borders Pakistan. To the west lies Iran, and to the northwest is Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan is to the north, Tajikistan to the northeast, and China to the far northeast. India also claims a small border area through Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

The land in Afghanistan is mostly mountainous, with the Hindu Kush range running through the middle. The eastern parts have high, fertile valleys, while the western areas have plains and dry grasslands. The highest point in Afghanistan is Noshaq.

The country has many rivers and reservoirs, but large areas are dry. Important rivers include the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul. Afghanistan faces challenges with water management.

Afghanistan experiences harsh winters and very hot summers. The country is generally dry, with most rain falling between December and April. Climate change is causing more severe droughts and increasing risks of floods and landslides.

Afghanistan is home to many types of animals. In the high mountains, you can find snow leopards and brown bears. The northeastern region has special animals like the Marco Polo sheep. Foxes, wolves, and other wildlife live in the eastern mountain forests, while the northern plains have birds, hedgehogs, and jackals. The southern and western areas have gazelles, wild pigs, and cheetahs. Afghanistan also has unique species like the Afghan flying squirrel and the Afghan hound dog.

The country's plants vary with the landscape. Forest areas have pine, spruce, and fir trees, while grasslands have broadleaf trees and shrubs. High, cold regions have tough grasses and small flowers. Afghanistan has several protected areas, including three national parks.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of Afghanistan and Politics of Afghanistan

In 2021, the old government stopped working and the Taliban took control. They started a new government in September that year. As of July 2025, only Russia has said this new government is real. Afghanistan has one central government.

A traditional way to make big decisions in Afghanistan is called a loya jirga. This is a large meeting where important choices are made, like choosing a leader. These meetings have happened since 1747, and the last one was in 2022.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Provinces of Afghanistan and Districts of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is split into 34 areas called provinces. Each province has a leader and a main city. These provinces are also split into smaller parts called districts, each with its own leader. The leaders are chosen by the government in Kabul.

The 34 provinces in alphabetical order are:

1. Badakhshan
2. Badghis
3. Baghlan
4. Balkh
5. Bamyan
6. Daykundi
7. Farah
8. Faryab
9. Ghazni
10. Ghor
11. Helmand
12. Herat
13. Jowzjan
14. Kabul
15. Kandahar
16. Kapisa
17. Khost
18. Kunar
19. Kunduz
20. Laghman
21. Logar
22. Nangarhar
23. Nimruz
24. Nuristan
25. Oruzgan
26. Paktia
27. Paktika
28. Panjshir
29. Parwan
30. Samangan
31. Sar-e Pol
32. Takhar
33. Wardak
34. Zabul

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Afghanistan

See also: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan joined the United Nations in 1946. It has had strong ties with countries like Germany, the Soviet Union, and India. Relations with Pakistan have sometimes been hard. Today, the current government has unofficial ties with China, Pakistan, and Qatar. Before, it had good relations with many nations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

Military

Main article: Afghan Armed Forces

After taking control in 2021, the new government got many weapons and tools from the old Afghan forces.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in Afghanistan

Further information: Women in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees

Since 2022, women in Afghanistan have had to cover themselves fully in public by law. Some people think there are disagreements inside the government about these rules.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Afghanistan

Afghanistan's economy faces many challenges. In 2020, its total economic value was about $20.1 billion, and each person earned around $611. The country has lots of valuable minerals but remains among the least developed in the world. This is partly because of its difficult mountains and landlocked location, as well as ongoing conflicts.

The country imports more goods than it exports, mainly fruits and nuts. It also has debt and relies on the service sector, agriculture, and industry for its economy. The national bank is Da Afghanistan Bank, and the currency is the Afghani.

Agriculture

Agricultural production is important to Afghanistan's economy and has employed many people. The country is known for producing pomegranates, grapes, apricots, melons, and several other fresh and dry fruits. Afghanistan also became the world's top producer of cannabis in 2010. In March 2023, cannabis production was banned.

Saffron, the most expensive spice, grows in Afghanistan, particularly Herat Province. In recent years, there has been an increase in saffron production.

The availability of cheap diesel-powered water pumps imported from China and Pakistan, and cheap solar power to pump water, helped agriculture grow in some areas. Wells have been deepened, but water resources are limited. Opium is a major crop, but production has been reduced by efforts to stop it. In November 2023, a report showed that poppy cultivation dropped by over 95% in Afghanistan.

Mining

Main article: Mining in Afghanistan

The country's natural resources include: coal, copper, iron ore, lithium, uranium, rare earth elements, chromite, gold, zinc, talc, barite, sulfur, lead, marble, precious and semi-precious stones, natural gas, and petroleum. In 2010, officials estimated that untapped mineral deposits are worth at least $1 trillion.

The country has significant amounts of lithium, copper, gold, coal, iron ore, and other minerals. In 2007, a lease was granted for the Aynak copper mine to the China Metallurgical Group. The state-run Steel Authority of India won mining rights to develop the Hajigak iron ore deposit. Government officials estimate that 30% of the country's untapped mineral deposits are worth at least $1 trillion.

Access to biocapacity in Afghanistan is lower than world average. In 2016, Afghanistan used more biocapacity than it contains.

In September 2023, mining contracts worth $6.5 billion were signed.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Afghanistan

See also: Renewable energy in Afghanistan

According to the World Bank, 98% of the rural population have access to electricity in 2018, up from 28% in 2008. Overall the figure stands at 98.7%. As of 2016, Afghanistan produces 1,400 megawatts of power, but still imports most electricity from Iran and Central Asian states. Most electricity comes from hydropower, but electricity is not always reliable and blackouts happen. In recent years, solar, biomass and wind power plants have been constructed. Power is managed by the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS, Afghanistan Electricity Company).

Important dams include the Kajaki Dam, Dahla Dam, and the Sardeh Band Dam.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Afghanistan

Tourism is a small industry in Afghanistan due to security issues. Nevertheless, some 20,000 foreign tourists visit the country annually as of 2016. An important region for tourism is the picturesque Bamyan Valley, which includes lakes, canyons and historical sites. Smaller numbers visit regions such as the Wakhan Valley. From the late 1960s onwards, Afghanistan was a popular stop on the famous hippie trail, attracting many Europeans and Americans.

The city of Ghazni has significant history and historical sites, as does Bamyan city. The cities of Herat, Kandahar, Balkh, and Zaranj are also very historic. The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cloak reputedly worn by Islam's prophet Muhammad is kept in the Shrine of the Cloak in Kandahar. The citadel of Alexander in Herat is a popular attraction. In the north of the country is the Shrine of Ali. The National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul hosts many important antiques.

Communication

Main article: Communications in Afghanistan

Telecommunication services in Afghanistan are provided by Afghan Telecom, Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, MTN Group, and Roshan. The country uses its own space satellite called Afghansat 1, which provides services to millions of phone, internet, and television subscribers. By 2016, the sector had grown to a $2 billion industry, with 22 million mobile phone subscribers and 5 million internet users. The sector employs at least 120,000 people nationwide.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in Afghanistan

See also: List of airports in Afghanistan and Rail transport in Afghanistan

Due to Afghanistan's geography, transport between various parts of the country has historically been difficult. The backbone of Afghanistan's road network is Highway 1, often called the "Ring Road", which extends for 2,210 kilometres and connects five major cities: Kabul, Ghazni, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, with spurs to Kunduz and Jalalabad and various border crossings.

The Ring Road is important for trade and the economy. A key portion of the Ring Road is the Salang Tunnel, completed in 1964, which connects northern and southern Afghanistan. It is the only land route that connects Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Serious traffic accidents are common on Afghan roads. Traveling by bus remains dangerous due to militant activities.

Air transport in Afghanistan is provided by the national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlines, and by the private company Kam Air. Airlines from a number of countries also provide flights in and out of the country. The country has four international airports: Kabul International Airport, Kandahar International Airport, Herat International Airport, and Mazar-e Sharif International Airport. Including domestic airports, there are 43. Bagram Air Base is a major military airfield.

The country has three rail links: one from Mazar-i-Sharif to the Uzbekistan border; a line from Toraghundi to the Turkmenistan border; and a short link from Aqina across the Turkmen border. These lines are used for freight only and there is no passenger service. A rail line between Khaf, Iran and Herat was under construction as of 2019.

Private vehicle ownership has increased substantially since the early 2000s. Taxis are yellow and consist of both cars and auto rickshaws. In rural Afghanistan, villagers often use donkeys, mules or horses. Camels are primarily used by the Kochi nomads. Bicycles are popular throughout Afghanistan.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Afghanistan

Further information: Afghans and Afghan diaspora

The population of Afghanistan was about 35.7 million in 2024. Most people live in rural areas, with only about 25% living in cities. Some Afghans live in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran.

Afghanistan has a high population growth rate. This growth is partly due to returning refugees and high birth rates. The country’s health has improved since the early 2000s, leading to longer life expectancies.

Ethnicity and languages

Main articles: Ethnic groups in Afghanistan and Languages of Afghanistan

See also: Afghans

Afghans belong to several groups. The largest group is the Pashtuns. Other major groups include the Tajiks, the Hazaras and the Uzbeks. There are ten more smaller groups.

The main languages are Dari and Pashto, which are both official. Dari is widely used as a common language, especially in Kabul and the north. Pashto is mainly spoken by Pashtuns. Many people also speak other languages such as Uzbek or English.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Afghanistan

Most Afghans follow Islam. The majority are Sunni Muslims, with a smaller group of Shia Muslims. There are also small communities of Sikhs and Hindus, mainly in cities like Kabul.

Education

Main article: Education in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has many schools and universities. Many students travel to other countries for further education.

Health

Main article: Health in Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces health challenges, with an average life expectancy of about 60 years. Many people travel to Pakistan or India for advanced medical care. There are hospitals in Kabul and other cities, but many Afghans still struggle to access healthcare. Charities help support children and families in need.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Afghanistan

Afghans have both common cultural features and those that differ between the regions of Afghanistan. Family is the mainstay of Afghan society and families are often headed by a leader. In the southern and eastern region, the people live according to the Pashtun culture. Key parts of this way include hospitality, the provision of sanctuary to those seeking refuge, and the importance of honor. The Pashtuns are largely connected to the culture of Central Asia and the Iranian Plateau. The remaining Afghans are culturally Persian and Turkic. Some non-Pashtuns who live near Pashtuns have adopted parts of Pashtun culture, while some Pashtuns have been influenced by Persian culture. The Afghan people are known to be strongly religious.

Afghans, particularly Pashtuns, are noted for their tribal solidarity and high regard for personal honor. There are various Afghan tribes, and an estimated 2–3 million nomads. Afghan culture is deeply Islamic, but some older traditions continue. The most preferred marriage in Afghan society is to one's parallel cousin, and there are traditional customs in marriage.

In the villages, families typically occupy houses made of mudbrick, or compounds with mudbrick or stone walled houses. Villages typically have a headman, a master for water distribution and a religious teacher. Men would typically work on the fields, joined by women during harvest. About 15% of the population are nomads, locally called kochis. When nomads pass villages they often buy supplies such as tea, wheat and kerosene from the villagers; villagers buy wool and milk from the nomads.

Afghan clothing for both men and women typically consists of various forms of shalwar kameez, especially perahan tunban and khet partug. Women would normally wear a chador for head covering; some women, typically from highly conservative communities, wear the burqa, a full body covering. Another popular dress is the chapan which acts as a coat. The karakul is a hat made from the fur of a specific regional breed of sheep. It was favored by former kings of Afghanistan and became known to much of the world in the 21st century when it was constantly worn by President Hamid Karzai. The pakol is another traditional hat originating from the far east of the country; it was popularly worn by the guerrilla leader Ahmad Shah Massoud. The Mazari hat originates from northern Afghanistan.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Afghanistan

The nation has a complex history that has survived either in its current cultures or in the form of various languages and monuments. Afghanistan contains many remnants from all ages, including Greek and Buddhist stupas, monasteries, monuments, temples, and Islamic minarets. Among the most well known are the Great Mosque of Herat, the Blue Mosque, the Minaret of Jam, the Chil Zena, the Qala-i Bost in Lashkargah, the ancient Greek city of Ai-Khanoum. However, many of its historic monuments have been damaged in modern times due to the civil wars. The two famous Buddhas of Bamiyan were destroyed by the Taliban. As there was no colonialism in the modern era in Afghanistan, European-style architecture is rare but does exist: the Victory Arch at Paghman and the Darul Aman Palace in Kabul were built in this style in the 1920s. Afghan architecture also ranges deep into India such as the city of Agra, and the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, an Afghan Emperor of India.

Art and ceramics

Main article: Afghan art

Carpet weaving is an ancient practice in Afghanistan, and many of these are still handmade by tribal and nomadic people today. Carpets have been produced in the region for thousands of years and traditionally done by women. Some crafters express their feelings through the designs of rugs. Every province has its own specific characteristics in making rugs.

Pottery has been crafted in Afghanistan for millennia. The village of Istalif, north of Kabul, is in particular a major center, known for its unique turquoise and green pottery, and their methods of crafting have remained the same for centuries. Much of lapis lazuli stones were earthed in modern-day Afghanistan which were used in Chinese porcelain as cobalt blue, later used in ancient Mesopotamia and Turkey.

The lands of Afghanistan have a long history of art, with the world's earliest known usage of oil painting found in cave murals in the country. A notable art style that developed in Afghanistan and eastern Pakistan is Gandhara Art, produced by a fusion of Greco-Roman art and Buddhist art between the 1st and 7th centuries CE. Later eras saw increased use of the Persian miniature style, with Kamaleddin Behzad of Herat being one of the most notable miniature artists of the Timurid and early Safavid periods. Since the 1900s, the nation began to use Western techniques in art. Abdul Ghafoor Breshna was a prominent Afghan painter and sketch artist from Kabul during the 20th century.

Literature

Main article: Afghan literature

Classic Persian and Pashto poetry are a cherished part of Afghan culture. Poetry has always been one of the major educational pillars in the region, to the level that it has integrated itself into culture. One of the poetic styles is called landay. A popular theme in Afghan folklore and mythology are Divs, monstrous creatures. Thursdays are traditionally "poetry night" in the city of Herat when men, women and children gather and recite both ancient and modern poems.

Three mystical authors are considered true national glories (although claimed with equal ardor by Iran), namely: Khwaja Abdullah Ansari of Herat, a great mystic and Sufi saint in the 11th century, Sanai of Ghazni, author of mystical poems in the 12th century, and, finally, Rumi of Balkh, in the 13th century, considered the greatest mystical poet of the Muslim world. The Afghan Pashto literature, although quantitatively remarkable and in great growth in the last century, has always had an essentially local meaning and importance, feeling the influence of both Persian literature and the contiguous literatures of India.

Khushal Khan Khattak of the 17th century is considered the national poet. Other notable poets include Rabi'a Balkhi, Jami, Rahman Baba, Khalilullah Khalili, and Parween Pazhwak.

Music

Main article: Music of Afghanistan

Afghan classical music has close historical links with Indian classical music and use the same Hindustani terminology and theories like raga. Genres of this style of music include ghazal (poetic music) and instruments such as the Indian tabla, sitar and harmonium, and local instruments like zerbaghali, as well as dayereh and tanbur which are also known in Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East. The rubab is the country's national instrument and precurses the Indian sarod instrument. Some of the famous artists of classical music include Ustad Sarahang and Sarban.

Pop music developed in the 1950s through Radio Kabul and was influential in social change. During this time female artists also started appearing, at first Mermon Parwin. Perhaps the most famous artist of this genre was Ahmad Zahir, who synthesized many genres and continues to be renowned for his voice and rich lyrics long after his death in 1979. Other notable masters of traditional or popular Afghan music include Nashenas, Ubaidullah Jan, Mahwash, Ahmad Wali, Farhad Darya, and Naghma.

Attan is the national dance of Afghanistan, a group dance popularly performed by Afghans of all backgrounds. The dance is considered part of Afghan identity.

Media and entertainment

Main article: Mass media in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has around 350 radio stations and over 200 television stations. Radio Television Afghanistan, originating from 1925, is the state public broadcaster. Television programs began airing in the 1970s and today there are many private television channels such as TOLO and Shamshad TV. The first Afghan newspaper was published in 1873, and there are hundreds of print outlets today. By the 1920s, Radio Kabul was broadcasting local radio services. Voice of America, BBC, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) broadcast in both of Afghanistan's official languages on radio.

Afghans have long been accustomed to watching Indian Bollywood films and listening to its filmi songs. It has been claimed that Afghanistan is among the biggest markets for the Hindi film industry. The stereotypes of Afghans in India (Kabuliwala or Pathani) have also been represented in some Bollywood films by actors. Many Bollywood film stars have roots in Afghanistan, including Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, Feroz Khan, Kader Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Zarine Khan, Celina Jaitly, and a number of others. Several Bollywood films have been shot inside Afghanistan, including Dharmatma, Khuda Gawah, Escape from Taliban, and Kabul Express.

Cuisine

Main article: Afghan cuisine

Afghan cuisine is largely based upon the nation's chief crops, such as wheat, maize, barley and rice. Accompanying these staples are native fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and whey. Kabuli palaw is the national dish of Afghanistan. The nation's culinary specialties reflect its ethnic and geographic diversity. Afghanistan is known for its high-quality pomegranates, grapes, and sweet melons. Tea is a favorite drink among Afghans. A typical Afghan diet consists of naan, yogurt, rice, and meat.

Holidays and festivals

Afghanistan's official New Year starts with Nowruz (natively known as "Nawroz"), an ancient tradition that started as a Zoroastrian celebration in present-day Iran, and with which it shares the annual celebration along with several other countries. It occurs every year at the vernal equinox. In Afghanistan, Nowruz is typically celebrated with music and dance, as well as holding buzkashi tournaments.

Yaldā, another nationally celebrated ancient tradition, commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and marks the longest night of the year on the eve of the winter solstice (Čilli-yi Zimistān; usually falling on 20 or 21 December), during which families gather together to recite poetry and eat fruit.

As a predominantly Muslim country, Islamic events and festivals such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Ashura are widely celebrated annually in Afghanistan. The Sikh festival of Vaisakhi is celebrated by the Sikh community and the Hindu festival Diwali by the Hindu community.

National Independence Day is celebrated on 19 August to mark the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 and the country's full independence. Several international celebrations are also officially held in Afghanistan, such as International Workers' Day, and International Women's Day. Some regional festivals include the Red Flower Festival (during Nowruz) in Mazar-i-Sharif, and the Damboora Festival in Bamyan Province.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Afghanistan

See also: Traditional games of Afghanistan

Sport in Afghanistan is managed by the Afghan Sports Federation. Cricket and association football are the two most popular sports in the country. The Afghan Sports Federation promotes cricket, association football, basketball, volleyball, golf, handball, boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting, bodybuilding, track and field, skating, bowling, snooker, chess, and other sports.

The Afghanistan national basketball team won the first team sports title at the 2010 South Asian Games. In 2012, the country's 3x3 basketball team won the gold medal at the 2012 Asian Beach Games. In 2013, Afghanistan's football team followed as it won the SAFF Championship.

The Afghanistan national cricket team, which was formed in 2001, won the 2009–10 ICC Intercontinental Cup. It won the ACC Twenty20 Cup in 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. The team played in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, 2019 Cricket World Cup, and 2023 Cricket World Cups. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is the official governing body of the sport and is based in Kabul. The Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground serves as the nation's main cricket stadium. There are several other stadiums throughout the country, including the Ghazi Amanullah Khan International Cricket Stadium near Jalalabad. Domestically, cricket is played between teams from different provinces.

The Afghanistan national football team has been competing in international football since 1941. The national team plays its home games at the Ghazi Stadium in Kabul, while football in Afghanistan is governed by the Afghanistan Football Federation. The national team has never competed or qualified for the FIFA World Cup but won an international football trophy in 2013. The country also has a national team in the sport of futsal, a 5-a-side variation of football.

The traditional and the national sport of Afghanistan is buzkashi, particularly popular in the north. It is similar to polo, played by horsemen in two teams, each trying to grab and hold a goat carcass. The Afghan Hound (a type of running dog) originated in Afghanistan and was used in wolf hunting.