form of government in afghanistan. International dialing code of Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

(Islamic State of Afghanistan)

General information

Geographical position. Afghanistan is a state in southwest Asia. In the north it borders on Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; in the east, with China, India (the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir) and Pakistan; in the south with Pakistan; in the west with Iran.

Square. The territory of Afghanistan occupies 647,600 sq. km.

Main cities, administrative divisions. The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul. The largest cities: Kabul (700 thousand people), Kandahar (226 thousand people), Herat (178 thousand people). Administrative-territorial division of the country: 29 provinces (vilayats) and 2 districts of central subordination.

Political system

Afghanistan is in a transitional period: since September 1996, power has been in the hands of the Taliban religious group.

Relief. Afghanistan is a mountainous country: about three-quarters of the territory is occupied by mountains and hills. There are several river valleys in the north, desert areas in the south and southwest. The main mountain system of the country is the Hindu Kush, which stretches for 965 km from the Pamirs in the northeast to the border with Iran in the west. The average height of the Hindu Kush is about 4,270 m, some peaks reach a height of 7,620 m. Through several passes, the interior of the country is connected. The lowest pass of the Hindu Kush, Shibar, is located at an altitude of 2,987 m and connects the capital of the state of Kabul with the northern regions of the country. The Khyber Pass on the northeastern border connects Afghanistan with Pakistan.

Geological structure and minerals. The bowels of the country contain rich reserves of natural gas, oil, coal, copper, mica, barite, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, precious and semi-precious stones.

Climate. The country's climate is varied. Kabul, located at an altitude of 1830 meters above sea level, has cold winters and warm summers. Jalalabad (550 m above sea level) has a subtropical climate, while Kandahar (1,070 m above sea level) has a mild climate.

Inland waters. The largest rivers in Afghanistan are the Amu Darya, Kabul, Helmand and Harirud.

Soils and vegetation. Coniferous forests, which occupy about 3% of the territory of Afghanistan, grow at an altitude of 1,830 to 3,660 m, below there are deciduous forests - juniper, ash. Among fruit trees, the most common are apple, pear, peach, and apricot. Date palms grow in the extreme south of the country, and a large number of citrus fruits grow in the region of Kandahar and Jalalabad.

Animal world. Camels, mountain goats, bears, gazelles, wolves, jackals, wild cats and foxes are found in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is also famous for the Afghan Hound. Among domestic animals, astrakhan sheep are the most valuable.

Population and language

The population is about 24.792 million people. The average population density is about 38 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: Pashtuns - 38%, Tajiks - 25%, Khazars - 19%, Uzbeks - 6%. Languages: Pashto, Dari (state), Uzbek, Kyrgyz.

Religion

Sunnis - 84%, Shiites - 15%, Hindus, Jews.

Brief historical outline

The first information about Afghanistan dates back to the 6th century. BC when it was incorporated into the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Around 330 BC e. Afghanistan was

conquered by Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander, the country was under the rule of Greek, Indian, and then Iranian rulers.

In the middle of the 7th century n. e. the country was conquered by the Arabs, whose influence was the strongest and lasted until 1220, when the country was captured by the troops of Genghis Khan. Under the rule of the Mongols, the country was until the XIV century.

In 1747, after another uprising against Iranian rule, the first Afghan state emerged, headed by Emir Ahmad Shah. However, the emirate subsequently fell apart.

At the beginning of the XIX century. after a period of anarchy, Dost Muhammad Khan came to power, taking the title of emir in 1835.

From the middle of the XIX century. Russia and Great Britain fought for influence on the country, in 1907 an agreement was signed between them recognizing the integrity of Afghanistan.

Until 1973, Afghanistan remained a monarchy. In 1973, as a result of a military coup, a republic was proclaimed in the country. In 1978t. As a result of the coup, the Revolutionary Council came to power. At the end of December 1979, Soviet troops entered Afghanistan, which were there until February 15, 1989. However, even after the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the civil war continued. On April 16, 1992, rebel troops captured Kabul.

The country became known as the Islamic State of Afghanistan, power was transferred to the Guiding Vetujihad (transitional council of the Mujahideen). In December 1992 B. Rabbani was elected president of the country and headed the Governing Council. Since the mid 1990s. most of the territory of Afghanistan, after fierce fighting, comes under the control of the Taliban movement, which professes extremely fundamentalist views and enjoys the support of the ruling circles of Pakistan. The Rabbani government has the status of a government in exile.

Brief economic essay

Afghanistan is an agricultural country. 1/3 of cultivated land is irrigated. Cereals (mainly wheat, but also corn, barley, rice), industrial crops (cotton, oilseeds, sugar beet, sugar cane). Vegetable growing, melon growing, fruit growing and viticulture. Extraction of natural gas, oil. Textile, chemical, food industry. Carpet weaving. Export: natural gas, dried fruits, carpets, astrakhan fur.

Monetary unit - afghani.

A Brief Outline of Culture

Art and architecture. Kabul. Kabul Museum with a collection of Buddhist artifacts. Mazar-i-Sharif. Mosque of the 15th century, which houses the tomb of Caliph Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Herat. Walls of the old city; Great Mosque. Ghazni. Ruins of old Ghazni. Kandahar. Several mosques; Tomb of the first emir of Afghanistan, Ahmad Shah.

Afghanistan (Afghanistan) - a mountainous country: about ¾ of the territory is occupied by mountains and hills, located in the southwest of Asia or, who is more convenient, in the Middle East. In the north, Afghanistan borders on Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; in the east - with China, India (the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir) and Pakistan; in the south - with Pakistan; in the west - with Iran. The name of the country comes from the name of the legendary ancestor of the Afghans - Avgana .

Islamic State of Afghanistan

1. Capital

Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan, as well as the political, economic and cultural center of the country, the administrative center of the province of Kabul. The capital is located on the Kabul River and is located at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level.

It is the largest industrial center of Afghanistan, where various fabrics, ammunition, sugar, furniture and much more are produced. Thanks to its history Kabul took on a multinational character. A large number of peoples and nationalities live here.

2. Flag

Flag of Afghanistan- a rectangular panel with proportions of 7:10. On the cloth flag three vertical stripes, where black is the color of historical and religious banners, red is the color of the supreme power of the king and a symbol of the struggle for freedom, and green is the color of hope and success in business. In the central part of the red stripe on the cloth is white (also the coat of arms can be black and yellow), which depicts a mosque with a mihrab and a minbar. Shahada is written over the mosque "There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet" .

3. Coat of arms

Emblem of Afghanistan completely made in gold color, it depicts a mosque, which is framed by ears of wheat intertwined with a ribbon. Two flags are attached to the mosque - Afghanistan flags. On the coat of arms of Afghanistan There are two inscriptions in Arabic. The inscription on top of the coat of arms is shahada, and translates as "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet". Below - the name of the state and the date of the declaration of independence of the country (according to the Afghan calendar, 1919). Emblem of Afghanistan also featured on flag of afghanistan.

4. Anthem

listen to the anthem of Afghanistan

5. Currency

The monetary unit of Afghanistan is the afghani, is equal to 100 pools (international designation - AFN, dram symbol - ؋, code - Af). In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 afghani, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 afghani. The exchange rate of the Afghan currency against the ruble is approximately 0.65 rubles per 1 afghani.

coins Afghanistan

BanknotesAfghanistan

Afghanistan is a state in Southwest Asia. Bordered by Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north, China and India to the far northeast, it is landlocked. Afghanistan is a mountainous country, 3/4 of the territory is occupied by mountains and hills.

In the north there are only a few valleys, in the south and southwest the desert regions of the Registan stretch. The main mountain system of the country, the Hindu Kush, stretches for almost 965 km. from the spurs of the Pamirs in the northeast to the border with Iran in the west. The area of ​​Afghanistan is 647,500 km2.

7. How to get to Afghanistan?

8. What is worth seeing

Landmarks of Afghanistan. Afghanistan- a fairly ancient country, attracting the attention of a large number of travelers who want to see with their own eyes a wide variety of historical monuments. The country's mountain ranges are among the most beautiful and majestic in the world and are an excellent area for mountaineering and hiking.

And here is a small list of attractions which you should pay attention to when planning excursions to Afghanistan:

• Bamiyan Buddha statues
• Blue Mosque (Mazar-i-Sharif)
• Blue lakes of Bande Amir
• Jam minaret
• Juma Mosque in Herat
• Bala Hissar Fortress
• Id-Gah Mosque
• Panjshir Gorge
• Kabul river
• Pyanj River
• Lake Shiva
• Citadel of Herat

9. 10 Largest Cities in Afghanistan

• Kabul (capital)
• Herat
• Kandahar
• Mazar-i-Sharif
• Jalalabad
• Ghazni
• Kunduz
• Charikar
• Puli Khumri

10. What's the weather like here?

Climate of Afghanistan.Climatic conditions in Afghanistan are quite different in different parts of the country. Climate- subtropical continental, mountainous, arid. This type of climate is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. Average temperatures in winter range from +8 C° to -20 C°, summer temperatures reach +32 C°.

The amount of precipitation on the plateaus is 200-250 mm, on the slopes of the Hindu Kush - 400-600 mm, in the southeast it reaches 800 mm. Most of the precipitation falls in winter and spring.

11. Population

The population of Afghanistan is 34,126,629 (as of February 2017). Afghanistan- a multinational country inhabited by over 20 peoples. The national composition of the country is represented by: Tajiks, Pashtuns and Hazaras, as well as Uzbeks, Turkmens, Charaymaks. Approximately 20% population of Afghanistan are nomads and semi-nomads Urban population - 18%; most of it is concentrated in large cities: Kabul, Kandahar, Jalalabad, Mazar-i-Sharif, Herat.

12. Language

State language of Afghanistan— Pashto and Dari. Dari is spoken by about 50% of the population, Pashto by 35%. Uzbek is also quite common, it is spoken by about 15% of the population. However, in reality, almost three dozen languages ​​are used in the territory.

13. Religion

Islam is the official religion of Afghanistan. 85% of believers are Sunnis, 15% are Shiites.

14. And what about eating?

National cuisine of Afghanistan— is one of the most ancient on the planet. The most common and recognizable dish of Afghan cuisine is pilaf. The following types of pilaf are distinguished: “palau-e-shahi” (pistachios, raisins, rice, lamb, tail fat, cloves), “kabuli-pilav” (raisins, lamb, rice and carrots). From the first courses, soups “shorbu” (soup with rice), “shormu” (soup with vegetables), “mushavu” (soup with yogurt and legumes) are popular.

For dessert, be sure to try halva, “bichak” (pie with jam and other fillings), “firni” (milk pudding with pistachios), candied nuts. The national drink is without a doubt tea, both black and green, which is consumed in incredible quantities.

15. Holidays

List of holidays in Afghanistan:

• March 21 - Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• April 18 - Liberation Day
• April 28 - Islamic Revolution Day
• May 1 - Labor Day
• May 4 - Day of Remembrance of the Martyrs and the Disabled
• August 19 - Afghanistan Independence Day

16. Souvenirs

Here is a small list most common souvenirs which tourists usually bring from Afghanistan:

• Carpets
• Handmade goods - forged candlesticks, figurines, plates
• Jewelry - possible necklaces, earrings, chains, pendants, pendants, rings and bracelets
• Skin dressing

17. "Neither a nail nor a wand" or customs regulations

Import and export foreign currency to Afghanistan permitted in unlimited quantities, but it is strictly forbidden to import and export Israeli money. A mandatory declaration is required for such events. local currency allowed import and export within the limits of not more than 500 AFA.

Tobacco (up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco) and alcoholic beverages to the extent necessary for personal use, as well as perfumes and perfumes are imported duty-free. The import of film cameras is possible only with a special license (it also carries out the export of previously imported devices).

Forbidden importation of drugs, pornography, film and video materials discrediting the state system or contrary to the norms of Islam, firearms, plants, fruits and vegetables. Forbidden export of antiques, carpets and furs. The export of many articles of arts and crafts is possible only on the basis of an export license, which the seller must provide.

Pets are imported only with a special international veterinary certificate.

What about sockets?

Mains voltage Afghanistan: 220 V, at a frequency of 50 Hz. socket type: Type C, Type F.

18. Phone code and domain name of Afghanistan

Country code: +93
First level geographic domain name: .af

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Afghanistan is located in Southwest Asia, between longitudes 60°30` and 75° E and 20°21` and 38°30` N, mainly within the northeastern part of the Iranian Plateau. Afghanistan borders Pakistan in the south and east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, China and India in the extreme northeast.

The state is divided into 29 provinces (vilayats) and 2 districts of central subordination. In the mid-1980s, approx. 20% of the country's population. Refugees from the villages replenished the population of a number of large cities, primarily Kabul and Jalalabad. However, due to the hostilities of the 1990s, which broke out in the immediate vicinity of some large cities, there was an outflow of the population, primarily from Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. As a result of heavy fighting in 1992, the population of the capital and its environs decreased and, according to an estimate in 1996, amounted to only 647.5 thousand people against 2 million in the early 1990s. Other major cities reportedly had a population (thousands): Kandahar, approx. 225.5, Herat - 177.3, Mazar-i-Sharif - 130.6, Jalalabad - 58.0 and Kunduz - 57.

Relief of Afghanistan

Mountains and plateaus occupy 80% of the territory, rocky deserts and dry steppes are located in most of the country. Afghanistan occupies the northeastern part of the Iranian Plateau, which includes high ridges and intermountain valleys. The eastern regions of the country from the southwest to the northeast are crossed by the high massive ridges of the Hindu Kush with a height of more than 4000-5000 m, and within the Wakhan ridge - more than 6000 m. Here, on the border with Pakistan, is the highest point of the country, Mount Naushak (7485 m). In the upper tier of mountains, especially in the northeast, modern glaciation with various types of glaciers is widely developed.

To the west of the Hindu Kush, there is a large, heavily dissected, hard-to-reach upland of Khazarajat with a height of more than 3000 m (some peaks reach 4000 m). In these mountains, physical weathering is actively taking place, as a result of which rocks are destroyed, and their fragments accumulate in the form of talus (damans) along the slopes and at their foot. From Hazarajat to the west and southwest, systems of lower ranges fan out. The Paropamis Mountains, approx. 600 km, up to 250 km wide and consisting of two main ranges: Safedhok - in the north and Siahkok - in the south, separated by the valley of the river Harirud, are located in the north-west of Afghanistan. The Safedkokh ridge has a length of approx. 350 km and reaches a height of 3642 m in the east and 1433 m in the west.

In the north of Afghanistan there is a vast Bactrian plain, which has a slope towards the Amu Darya valley. The surface of the plain in the foothills of the Hindu Kush and Paropamis is composed of loess deposits and is dissected by numerous rivers. To the north it passes into the sandy desert.

In the south-west of Afghanistan there are drainless hilly plateaus with a height of 500 to 1000 m. Vast areas are occupied by the sandy Registan desert and the clay-gravelly Dashti-Margo desert.

In the south-east of the country there is a slightly dissected plateau with a height of less than 2000 m, to which several oases are confined. The largest of them is in the vicinity of the city of Kandahar.

Minerals of Afghanistan

A lot of minerals are concentrated in the bowels of Afghanistan, but their development is limited. Afghanistan has reserves of such important energy resources as oil (Sari-Pul), natural gas (Shibirgan), coal (Karkar, Ishpushta, Darai-Suf, Karokh). Salt-bearing structures near Talikan are pronounced in the north of the country. Rock salt is mined near Anahoy and in other places. There are industrial deposits of copper (south of Kabul), iron (north and west of Kabul), beryllium (north of Jalalabad), manganese, lead-zinc, and tin ores. Afghanistan is famous for its deposits of high-quality lapis lazuli (in the north-east of the country in the Kokchi river basin). There are placer deposits of gold. It is possible to extract high-quality marble, talc, granite, basalt, dolomite, gypsum, limestone, kaolin, asbestos, mica, emeralds, amethysts, jasper.

Statistical indicators of Afghanistan
(as of 2012)

Afghanistan is the only major supplier of lapis lazuli to the world market. There is a large natural gas field in the Shibirgan area (136 billion cubic meters)

Climate of Afghanistan

subtropical continental (with significant temperature ranges), dry. Average January temperatures on the plains range from 0° to 8°C (absolute minimum -20 - -25°C). Average temperatures in July on the plains are 24–32°C, and the recorded absolute maximum temperature is 45°C (in Girishka, Helmand Prov.). In Kabul, the average temperature in July is 25° C, and in January it is 3° C. During the day, the weather is usually clear and sunny, while at night it is cool or cold.

The average annual rainfall is low: on the plains approx. 200 mm, in the mountains up to 800 mm. The rainy season in the plains of Afghanistan lasts from October to April. A specific moisture regime is manifested in the southeast of the country, where summer monsoons penetrate, bringing heavy rainfall in July-August. Thanks to the monsoons, the annual rainfall reaches 800 mm. In the southwest, in Sistan, in some places precipitation does not fall at all.

Water resources of Afghanistan

The main rivers are the Amu Darya, Murghab, Harirud, Helmand, Kabul. With the exception of the Kabul River, which flows into the Indus, and the left tributaries of the Panj (upper reaches of the Amu Darya), the rivers of Afghanistan end in drainless lakes or are lost in the sands. The main source of food for large rivers is mountain snow and glaciers. Floods occur in spring and summer. Due to large water withdrawals for irrigation and strong evaporation, even large rivers become shallow in the second half of summer. On the southern slopes of the Hindu Kush, the Kabul and Helmand rivers, which have glacial nutrition, originate. The most fertile and densely populated region of Afghanistan is confined to the Kabul basin. The Helmand River crosses a significant part of the country in a southwestern direction and is lost within the desert clay plain of Sistan in Iran. There are a number of oases in its valley. The Harirud River (Tejen in the lower reaches of Turkmenistan) originates in the Hindu Kush and flows west, and then sharply turns north, forming the Iran-Afghan border. Its waters irrigate the fertile Herat oasis. The rivers of the Bactrian Plain in the north have an unstable flow and dry up greatly in summer. Many of them do not reach the Amu Darya and are lost in the sands, forming vast deltas. Mountain rivers have significant hydropower potential and, as a rule, are not navigable. The Kabul River is navigable for approx. 120 km.

There are few lakes in Afghanistan. In the Hindu Kush mountains, the largest and most picturesque lakes are Sarykul, Shiva and Bandi-Amir. In the west and south-west of the country there are salt lakes that dry up in summer - Sabari, Namaksar, Dagi-Tundi.

Soils. The foothills and valleys are characterized by chestnut soils, burozems and gray soils, which are formed in the north on loess deposits, and in the south - on clayey-gravelly. Chernozem and mountain meadow soils are found on the most humid mountain slopes. The largest part of arable land is concentrated in the northern regions and intermountain basins (on alluvial, more fertile soils). In the south and south-west of the country, gray desert soils and solonchaks are common. The fertile soils of the oases are largely the result of centuries of peasant labor.

natural areas. Flora and fauna of Afghanistan

The plains of Afghanistan are dominated by deserts. The plateaus are occupied by steppes. Forests (about 5% of the territory) are concentrated in the middle mountain belt of the Hindu Kush in the east of the country. At an altitude of 2400-3500 m, coniferous forests dominate. Tugai forests are common in the river valleys.

Dry-steppe and desert landscapes predominate in Afghanistan; dry steppes are common on foothill plains and in intermountain basins. They are dominated by couch grass, fescue and other cereals. The lowest parts of the basins are occupied by takyrs and salt marshes, and in the south-west of the country - by sandy and rocky deserts with a predominance of wormwood, camel's thorn, tamarix, saxaul. The lower slopes of the mountains are dominated by thorny semi-shrubs (astragalus, acantolimon) in combination with juniper sparse forests, groves of wild pistachio, wild almond and wild rose.

In the Indo-Himalayan region in the east and southeast of the country at altitudes from 750 to 1500 m above sea level. steppes alternate with woody massifs of Indian palm, acacia, figs, almonds. Above 1500 m there are deciduous forests of evergreen balut oak with an undergrowth of almond, bird cherry, jasmine, buckthorn, sophora, cotoneaster. Walnut forests sometimes grow on the western slopes, pomegranate groves grow on the southern slopes, and Gerard's pine grows at altitudes of 2200–2400 m, higher (up to 3500 m) giving way to Himalayan pine with an admixture of Himalayan cedar and West Himalayan fir. In more humid habitats, spruce-fir forests are common, in the lower tier of which ash grows, and in the undergrowth - birch, pine, honeysuckle, hawthorn, and currant. Juniper forests grow on dry, well-warmed southern slopes. Above 3500 m, thickets of juniper elfin and rhododendron are common, and above 4000 m - alpine and subalpine meadows.

Tugai forests are widespread in the Amudarya valley, dominated by poplar-turanga, jeddah, willow, comb, reeds. In the tugai of mountain rivers, Pamir poplar, white and laurel poplar, sucker, tamarix, sea buckthorn grow, in the south - oleander.

Wildlife Spotted hyenas, jackals, wild kulan donkeys, goitered antelopes and saiga antelopes live in the open spaces of desert and steppe plains and plateaus, in the mountains - leopard irbis, mountain goats, mountain sheep-argali. In the tugai thickets along the river valleys there are wild boar, reed cat, Turan tiger. The Afghan fox, stone marten and wolves are widespread, causing considerable damage to flocks of sheep, especially in winter. In deserts and dry steppes, the world of reptiles is richly represented: monitor lizards (up to half a meter long), agamas, steppe python, poisonous snakes (gyurza, cobra, efa, muzzle). The deserts abound with rodents (marmots, ground squirrels, voles, gerbils). There are many poisonous and harmful insects: scorpions, karakurts, phalanges, locusts, etc. The avifauna is rich. Such birds of prey as the kite, vulture hawk, kestrel, golden eagle, Himalayan vulture, Indian Laggar falcon are characteristic. In the deserts, wheatears, larks, and desert chickens are widespread. The southeastern regions are characterized by Bengal roller, snipe, southern dove, Himalayan jay, pika, Indian starling-myna. The rivers abound with such commercial fish as barbel, catfish, carp, trout, asp.

Population of Afghanistan

Number and national composition. According to the first general census in 1979, the population of Afghanistan was 15,540 thousand people, including 2,500 thousand nomads. In the 1980s, the annual natural population growth rate was estimated at 2.2% with a birth rate of 4.9% and a death rate of 2.7%, and in 2000 they respectively amounted to 3.54% (taking into account the return of refugees from Iran), 4, 2% and 1.8%. According to an estimate for 2003, 28,717 thousand people lived in the country.

Afghanistan is a multinational country. The population of the country for 38% consists of representatives of the Pashtun tribes professing orthodox Sunni Islam. They are settled mainly in the southeastern and southern border regions with Pakistan. Ahmad Shah Durrani, a descendant of the powerful Pashtun Durrani tribe, played an important role in the founding of Afghanistan as an independent state (the Durranian state) in 1747. In this regard, the recent capture of Kabul by the Taliban and their rise to power is seen by them as a historical revenge, since the Durrani prevail among the Taliban. President Najibullah, who was executed by the Taliban, belonged to another Pashtun tribe, the Ahmedzai.

All Pashtuns speak Pashto, a language close to Persian (Farsi). Among the Pashtun tribes there are sedentary and nomadic. Both are militant, many disputes are still resolved on the basis of the traditional code of honor - Pashtunvali, which is based on the protection of personal dignity and blood feud.

In second place in terms of numbers (25%) are Tajiks living in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, behind the Hindu Kush. Being a people of Iranian origin, they use the Dari (or Farsi-Kabuli) language, similar to Persian. Sunni Muslims predominate among Tajiks, but there are also many Ismailis. The main occupations of Tajiks are agriculture and trade. Many of them, having received education, became officials and statesmen.

Turkmens (3% of the population) live in the north-west of Afghanistan, and Uzbeks (9%) live in the north. Both of them are also Sunni Muslims. Their main occupations are agriculture and cattle breeding, Turkmens are known as skilled carpet weavers. Uzbek leader Rashid Dostum heads the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which counters the Taliban.

The Hazaras, a people of Mongolian origin, professing Shiite Islam, is approx. 19% of the population of Afghanistan. They are concentrated in the central part of the country: farmers and sheep breeders predominate among them, in the cities they form a large stratum of hired workers. Their main political organization is the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan (Hezbe Wahdat).

In the western regions of the country, Persian peoples professing Shiite Islam live. Other nationalities (Nuristanis, Vakhans, Kirghiz, Charaimaks, Braguis, Kazakhs, Pashais, etc.) are not numerous. The Nuristanis, including the Kati, Paruni, Waigali, and Ashkuni tribes, were called kafirs (“infidels”) before being forcibly converted to Islam by the Afghan emir in 1895–1896. They lead a very secluded lifestyle in the high mountains north of the Kabul river valley. Several thousand Vakhans are concentrated within the narrow Wakhan corridor, while the Kyrgyz are concentrated in the extreme northeast of the country, in the Pamir Highlands. Charaimaks, or aimaks (about 600 thousand people), a people of mixed ethnic origin, live in the mountains in the west of the country, along the Afghan-Iranian border. Baloch and Brahui inhabit some areas in the south-west of the country.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities in the 1980s, approximately 76% of the Afghan population was mainly engaged in sedentary agriculture, and 9% were pastoralists and led a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.

Languages. According to the latest constitution in force, Pashto and Dari (or Farsi-Kabuli, the Afghan dialect of Persian) were recognized as the official languages ​​of Afghanistan. Dari serves as the lingua franca almost everywhere except in Kandahar Province and the Pashto-dominated eastern regions of Ghazni Province. Uzbeks, Turkmens and Kirghiz belong to the Turkic-speaking peoples. The Khazarians use one of the archaic dialects of the Persian language, which is also associated with Baluchi and the Tajik language. Nuristani speak languages ​​that represent a separate ancient branch that emerged from the Iranian and Indian language groups. The Brahui speak a language belonging to the Dravidian family, similar to the languages ​​of the peoples of South India.

A relatively small state is located in Central Asia, the history of which goes back to ancient times. It was part of the Persian Empire, saw Alexander the Great, was part of the Seleucid state, joined the Greco-Bactrian kingdom, was part of the Parthian and Kushan empires. The state was both a kingdom, and a kingdom, and an emirate, and a republic. The inhabitants of this mountainous country rarely experienced periods of peace, so they are said to be born with weapons in their hands.

There is an opinion that Afghanistan today is the poorest and most dangerous country in our world. There is no access to high-quality medicine, there is no normal education, it is impossible to develop international tourism. But terrorism and opium production flourish. For those who, out of interest or out of necessity, are ready to visit this dangerous country, it is advisable to get to know the cities and towns of Afghanistan better in advance. The list of the largest settlements includes:

• Kabul.
• Kandahar.
• Herat.
• Jalalabad.
• Mazar-i-Sharif.

Let us consider in more detail the features of these cities.

Kabul

Kabul is a very ancient city. The date of its foundation is 1504. The city was founded by the Mongol Emperor Babur. Built on the banks of the Kabul River. An accurate estimate of the population has not been carried out for many years, according to 2006 data, it is about 616 thousand people. The city is the capital of Afghanistan.

Of course, not all cities in Afghanistan have airports. Kabul could be a happy exception. A large airport is considered one of the attractions of the city. It was built at the expense of the Soviet Union to receive international tourist flights. But the flow of tourists never appeared. In 1979, a civil war broke out in the country. In 1992, the airport came under the rule of the Mujahideen, and in 2011 it was destroyed by US aircraft. Today part of the airport has been restored and receives international flights. Several airlines fly here.

In Kabul, you can visit the Darul-Aman Palace, the Taj Beck Palace, the mosques of Abdul Rahman and Id Gakh. The National Museum has opened on the outskirts of the largest city in Afghanistan. You can also visit the historical park Gardens of Babur and bazaars.

Kandahar

Kandahar is much older than Kabul. The date of its foundation is 330 BC. In those days, it was called Alexandria in honor of Alexander the Great. The city was inhabited mainly by the ancestors of modern Pashtuns. For some time the city was the capital. Today the population of Afghanistan is almost 492 thousand people. It is the second largest in the country.

Kandahar is the center of local trade. There are four large bazaars overlooking the historic Char-Suk square. The Mosque of Hair of the Prophet was built on the same square. On another square of the second largest city in Afghanistan - Shahidan Chowk - stands the monument to the Fallen.

Another attraction of Kandahar is the Mausoleum of the founder of the state, Ahmad Shah Durrani. Next to it is a mosque that keeps a piece of the prophet's cloak. But tourists are not allowed into the mosque. This entrance is open only to Muslims.

Not far from Kandahar, you can visit the excavations of a Bronze Age settlement. There is something for history buffs to see.

Herat

Not rich, but mysterious ancient Afghanistan. All cities of the country bear the imprint of centuries of history. Herat, the third most populous city, was no exception. More than 436 thousand people live here. The city was built in the valley of the river Harirud (North-West of Afghanistan).

In ancient times, Herat stood on the Great Silk Road. During the time of Alexander the Great, it was called Alexandria Ariana. Of the sights here, the citadel of the times of Alexander the Great, which was partially reconstructed in 2011, the Gaukhar Shad Mausoleum, the Juma Masjid Cathedral Mosque and the remains of minarets from the Musalla architectural ensemble, has been preserved.

Mazar-i-Sharif

This city is different from others. Poverty and lawlessness are not visible here. In Mazar-i-Sharif, order and cleanliness are maintained. The name of the city can be translated as "majestic tomb". The main pearl of the city is the architectural ensemble of Rosi Sharif. It translates as "Blue Mosque". There is a legend that Caliph Ali was buried in this mosque, and then his body was stolen and reburied in Najaf (Iraq). The complex of mosques is a place of worship for Shiites.

In terms of population, this city statistics puts it in third place. Although more than 600 thousand people live here.

Jalalabad

Jalalabad is another beautiful ancient city in Afghanistan. The remains of ancient Buddhist shrines of the l-Vll centuries have been preserved here. Today, the city is considered a transport and trade distribution point, through which agricultural products pass to Kabul. The population here is just over 168,000.

This city can be very interesting for tourists, but the place can hardly be called safe. Here was the largest transshipment point of the Mujahideen. In the mountains there is a whole network of tunnels and bunkers filled with ammunition.

The country of Afghanistan is amazing and controversial. The cities listed in this article have clearly seen better days. It would be possible to tell more about Kunduz, Puli-Khumri, Meimene, but the sediment of bitterness will not disappear from this. It is impossible to build a comfortable life, knowing only how to destroy ...

Islamic State of Afghanistan

Afghanistan- a state in the south-west of Central Asia. In the north it borders with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, in the east - with China, India (disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir) and Pakistan, in the south - with Pakistan, in the west - with Iran.

The name of the country comes from the name of the legendary ancestor of the Afghans - Avgan.

Capital

Square

Population

26813 thousand people

Administrative division

The state is divided into 29 provinces (vilayats) and 2 districts of central subordination.

Form of government

Islamic state.

head of state

The president.

supreme legislative body

It does not work.

Supreme executive body

Government.

Big cities

Kandahar, Herat.

Official language

Pashto, donate.

Religion

Islam (85% - Sunnis, 15% - Shiites).

Ethnic composition

38% - Pashtuns, 25% - Tajiks, 19% - Khazars, 6% - Uzbeks.

Currency

Afghani = 100 pools.

Climate

Subtropical, continental, arid, with sharp daily and annual temperature fluctuations. In Kabul, located at an altitude of 1830 m above sea level, cold winters and warm summers (in July + 25°С, in January from 0°С to + 7°С). Precipitation, mainly in winter and spring, does not exceed 375 mm. On the northern plain, the average temperature in July is + 30 ° С, in January - + 2 ° С
(at minimum temperatures up to -20 °С). Only in the southeast of Afghanistan, where the Indian monsoon affects, summer rains are observed, and the mountain slopes here receive up to 800 mm of precipitation. In Jalalabad (550 m above sea level) the climate is subtropical, in Kandahar (1070 m above sea level) it is mild.

Flora

About 3% of the territory is occupied by coniferous forests, which are located at an altitude of 1830 to 3660 m, deciduous forests (juniper, ash) grow below. Among fruit trees, apple, pear, peach, and apricot are common. In the extreme south, in irrigated oases and the Jalalabad valley, date palms, olives, and citrus fruits grow.

Fauna

Camels, mountain goats, bears, gazelles, wolves, jackals, wild cats and foxes are found in Afghanistan. The famous breed of dogs bred here is the Afghan Hound.

Rivers and lakes

The largest rivers in Afghanistan are the Amu Darya, Kabul, Helmand and Harirud.

Attractions

Cave monastery in the Bami-ana valley (I-VIII centuries); palace in Bust (XI century); minaret in Jam (XII century); Gauharshad Mausoleum, Juma Masjid Mosque in Herat (XVB.); the remains of fortress walls of the 7th-8th centuries, medieval garden and park ensembles, including Bagi-Bagur with the tomb of Babur (XVI century), in Kabul, etc. Many monuments in Kabul and Kandahar were destroyed during the fighting.

Useful information for tourists

In view of the turbulent situation and destruction during the fighting, the country is not popular with foreign tourists.