Afghanistan

Afghanistan: A Landlocked Crossroads

Located in Southern-Central Asia, Afghanistan is a landlocked country that serves as a crossroads between Central and South Asia. Spanning over 652,864 square kilometers, it borders Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The landscape is predominantly mountainous with plains in the north and southwest, separated by the Hindu Kush range.

Historical Significance

Afghanistan’s history dates back to the Middle Paleolithic era, with human habitation evident as early as 50,000 years ago. The land has witnessed numerous military campaigns, including those by Persians, Alexander the Great, Maurya Empire, Arab Muslims, Mongols, British, Soviet Union, and a US-led coalition. The region was known for its rich natural resources like lithium, iron, zinc, copper, and more.

Modern State Formation

The modern state of Afghanistan began in the 18th century with the Durrani Afghan Empire, although Dost Mohammad Khan is sometimes considered the founder. The country became a buffer state during the Great Game between British and Russian Empires. After being defeated by the British, it emerged as an independent kingdom in 1926.

Recent History

Afghanistan’s recent history has been dominated by extensive warfare since the late 1970s, including coups, invasions, insurgencies, and civil wars. The conflict began with a communist revolution in 1978, followed by the Soviet invasion in 1979, and continued with Mujahideen fighting among themselves after the Soviets’ withdrawal.

Current Challenges

Afghanistan faces significant challenges such as high levels of terrorism, poverty, and child malnutrition. The country’s GDP is $81 billion by purchasing power parity and $20.1 billion by nominal values. Since 2021, the Taliban have returned to power, leading to an internationally unrecognized government due to ongoing human rights violations.

Geography and Climate

Afghanistan’s geography is varied, with mountainous regions dominated by the Hindu Kush range. The climate is continental, with harsh winters in the north and hot summers in the south, causing frequent droughts that impact over half the population. The country is vulnerable to climate change, with severe drought conditions affecting 25 provinces.

Administrative Divisions

Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces, each with a governor and capital. Provinces are further divided into nearly 400 districts, overseen by district governors. Provincial councils participate in development planning and governance monitoring.

Economy and Resources

The economy of Afghanistan is driven by agriculture, which employs about 40% of the workforce as of 2018. The country has vast mineral deposits but remains one of the world’s least developed nations due to its physical geography, landlocked status, conflict, and instability.

Education and Healthcare

Education in Afghanistan is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. As of 2018, 98% of rural populations had access to electricity, up from 28% in 2008. The country’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, with a literacy rate of 43.02%, and high infant mortality rates.

Culture and Arts

Afghan culture is deeply rooted in family values, hospitality, and tribal solidarity. Classic Persian and Pashto poetry are cherished parts of Afghan culture, while music includes genres like ghazal and traditional instruments like the rubab. Sport in Afghanistan is managed by the Afghan Sports Federation, with cricket and football being the most popular sports.

Conclusion

Afghanistan’s rich history, diverse cultures, and natural resources make it a unique landlocked crossroads of Central and South Asia. Despite numerous challenges, the country continues to strive for stability, development, and recognition on the global stage.