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{{Short description|Landlocked country in south-central Asia}}
{{Infobox country
{{Infobox country
| name = Afghanistan
| name = Afghanistan
| official_name = Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan ''(name used by the de facto Taliban authorities)''
| native_name = افغانستان
| native_name = افغانستان
| image = Kabul Afghanistan City View.jpg
| map_image = Afghanistan adm location map.svg
| image_alt = View of Kabul, Afghanistan, with snow-covered mountains in the background
| map_alt = Map of Afghanistan showing its provincial boundaries
| image_caption = Kabul, the capital and largest city of Afghanistan
| map_caption = Map of Afghanistan
| image_flag = Flag of the Taliban.svg
| flag_caption = Flag used by the de facto Taliban authorities
| capital = [[Kabul]]
| capital = [[Kabul]]
| largest_city = [[Kabul]]
| largest_city = [[Kabul]]
| official_languages = [[Dari]] and [[Pashto]]
| continent = [[Asia]]
| religion = [[Islam]]
| region = South-central Asia
| official_languages = [[Dari language|Dari]] and [[Pashto language|Pashto]]
| demonym = Afghan
| demonym = Afghan
| government_type = De facto Islamic emirate under Taliban rule
| government = De facto Islamic emirate under Taliban rule
| leader_title1 = Overall Taliban leader
| head_of_state_title = Supreme Leader
| leader_name1 = [[Hibatullah Akhundzada]]
| head_of_state = [[Hibatullah Akhundzada]]
| leader_title2 = Acting prime minister
| head_of_government_title = Acting Prime Minister
| leader_name2 = [[Mohammad Hassan Akhund]]
| head_of_government = [[Mohammad Hassan Akhund]]
| area_km2 = 652,230
| formation = Modern Afghan state conventionally dated to 1747; independence in foreign affairs achieved in 1919
| population_estimate = 43,844,111
| area = 652,230 km²
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| area_km2 = 652230
| water_percent = 0
| population = 43,844,111
| population_number = 43844111
| population_as_of = 2025
| gdp_nominal = US$17.78 billion
| gdp_nominal_year = 2024
| currency = [[Afghan afghani]]
| currency = [[Afghan afghani]]
| currency_code = AFN
| currency_code = AFN
| time_zone = Afghanistan Time
| timezone = Afghanistan Time
| utc_offset = +4:30
| driving_side = right
| calling_code = +93
| calling_code = +93
| internet_tld = .af
| internet_tld = .af
| iso_alpha2 = AF
| iso_alpha3 = AFG
| iso_numeric = 004
| coordinates = 33°N 65°E
| latitude = 33
| longitude = 65
}}
}}


'''Afghanistan''' is a landlocked country at the meeting point of [[Central Asia]] and [[South Asia]]. It borders [[Pakistan]] to the east and south, [[Iran]] to the west, [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Tajikistan]] to the north, and [[China]] through the narrow [[Wakhan Corridor]] in the northeast. [[Kabul]] is the capital and largest city.
'''Afghanistan''' is a landlocked country in south-central [[Asia]]. It lies between [[Iran]] to the west, [[Pakistan]] to the east and south, [[Turkmenistan]], [[Uzbekistan]] and [[Tajikistan]] to the north, and [[China]] at the eastern end of the narrow [[Wakhan Corridor]]. Its capital and largest city is [[Kabul]]. Afghanistan's terrain is dominated by mountains, particularly the [[Hindu Kush]], together with high plateaus, northern plains and desert regions.<ref name="britannica">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Afghanistan |website=Encyclopaedia Britannica |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


The country's terrain is dominated by mountains, particularly the [[Hindu Kush]], with plains and lower-lying areas in parts of the north and southwest. Afghanistan covers about 652,230 square kilometres.<ref name="cia-area">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/static/fd00b44e12e3769e57d57c1a5da3a826/AF-summary.pdf |title=Afghanistan country summary |website=CIA World Factbook Archive |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref> World Bank data placed its population at 43,844,111 in 2025.<ref name="worldbank-pop">{{Cite web |url=https://databank.worldbank.org/reports.aspx?country=AFG&series=SP.POP.TOTL&source=2 |title=World Development Indicators: Population, Afghanistan |website=World Bank DataBank |publisher=World Bank |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
Afghanistan has been a meeting point between Central Asia, South Asia, the Iranian plateau and the Middle East for centuries. The modern Afghan state is commonly associated with the rise of [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]] in 1747. Afghanistan later became a focus of rivalry between the British and Russian empires, and its modern international boundaries largely emerged during the 19th century.<ref name="loc-history">{{cite web |title=Kitāb musṭatāb-i Sirāj al-tavārīkh |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2013415208/ |website=Library of Congress |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="britannica"/>


Afghanistan has historically connected regions of Central Asia, the Iranian plateau and the Indian subcontinent. Modern Afghan state formation is commonly associated with [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]], who established a major Afghan empire in 1747. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the country was strongly affected by rivalry between the British and Russian empires. Afghanistan regained control over its foreign relations following the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919.<ref name="state-history">{{Cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/afghanistan |title=Afghanistan: A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations |website=Office of the Historian |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
The country experienced repeated political upheaval and warfare during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the Soviet intervention beginning in 1979, civil war, the first period of Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, the United States-led military intervention beginning in 2001, and the restoration of Taliban control in August 2021.<ref name="soviet">{{cite web |title=The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. Response, 1978–1980 |url=https://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/soviet-invasion-afghanistan |website=Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="un2021">{{cite web |title=2021 UN Country Annual Results Report |url=https://afghanistan.un.org/en/180375-2021-un-country-annual-results-report |website=United Nations in Afghanistan |date=31 March 2022 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


The country subsequently experienced monarchy, republican government, communist rule, Soviet military intervention, civil war, Taliban rule, a Western-supported republic and a second Taliban takeover. The Taliban returned to control of Kabul in August 2021 following the collapse of the Islamic Republic and the withdrawal of United States and allied forces. As of September 2026, the Taliban exercise de facto control over the national government. Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in July 2025, while most other governments continue to engage with the authorities without granting formal recognition.<ref name="reuters-recognition">{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-becomes-first-country-recognise-taliban-government-afghanistan-2025-07-03/ |title=Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan |website=Reuters |date=3 July 2025 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="reuters-five">{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taliban-mark-five-years-power-aid-groups-warn-crisis-2026-08-15/ |title=Taliban mark five years in power as aid groups warn of crisis |website=Reuters |date=15 August 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
Since August 2021, Afghanistan has been governed in practice by the Taliban. International organizations, including the United Nations, commonly describe the Taliban administration as the country's ''de facto authorities''. Hibatullah Akhundzada is the overall Taliban leader, while Mohammad Hassan Akhund serves as acting prime minister.<ref name="cia-leaders">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan - World Leaders |url=https://www.cia.gov/resources/world-leaders/foreign-governments/afghanistan/ |website=Central Intelligence Agency |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="unama2026">{{cite web |title=Update on the Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan (April to June 2026) |url=https://unama.unmissions.org/en/news/update-on-the-human-rights-situation-in-afghanistan-april-to-june-2026 |website=United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan |date=28 July 2026 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


== Name ==
== Name ==
The English name ''Afghanistan'' is used internationally for the country. In Dari and Pashto, the country is written افغانستان. The term ''Afghan'' is used as the demonym for a citizen of Afghanistan.


The name ''Afghanistan'' has historically been associated with the land of the Afghans, a designation that was frequently used in earlier sources for Pashtun communities. Over time, the term came to refer to the broader political territory containing many ethnic and linguistic groups.
United Nations geographical-name records list ''Afghanistan'' as the country's English short name. Dari and Pashto forms are also recorded in the United Nations geographical-names system.<ref name="ungegn">{{cite web |title=Country Details - Afghanistan |url=https://ungegn.un.org/dashboard/countries/details?id=4 |website=United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>
 
The country's name is written as افغانستان in both Dari and Pashto script. The Taliban authorities use the formal title '''Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan'''. International organizations, including the United Nations, continue to list the state as Afghanistan.<ref name="un-member">{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states |title=Member States |website=United Nations |publisher=United Nations |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
== Geography ==
 
Afghanistan is completely landlocked. Its geographic position links Central Asia, South Asia, the Iranian plateau and western China.
 
The [[Hindu Kush]] mountain system extends across much of central and northeastern Afghanistan and is one of the country's dominant physical features. The mountain system also extends into neighbouring Pakistan.<ref name="hindu-kush">{{Cite web |url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/hindu-kush/ |title=Hindu Kush |website=Encyclopaedia Iranica |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
Afghanistan has a total area of approximately 652,230 square kilometres. Its geography includes high mountains, plateaus, river valleys, dry steppe and desert areas.<ref name="cia-area" />
 
The climate is generally arid to semi-arid. Lowland areas can experience very hot summers, while winters are cold, especially in mountainous regions. Snow accumulating at high elevations provides an important source of water for rivers, irrigation and agriculture.<ref name="cia-area" />
 
Important river systems include the [[Amu Darya]], which forms part of the northern frontier, as well as the Kabul, Helmand and Hari rivers. Because rainfall is limited across much of the country, irrigation has historically been important to agricultural settlement.
 
[[Band-e Amir]], in Bamyan Province, consists of a chain of high-altitude lakes surrounded by distinctive limestone formations.
 
== Administrative divisions ==
 
Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces. Provinces are further divided into districts, although district boundaries and administrative arrangements have changed at different times.
 
Major urban centres include [[Kabul]], [[Kandahar]], [[Herat]], [[Mazar-i-Sharif]], [[Jalalabad]] and [[Kunduz]]. Kabul is the country's main political, administrative and population centre.


== History ==
== History ==
=== Early and pre-modern history ===
The territory of present-day Afghanistan has historically connected regions of Central Asia, Iran and the Indian subcontinent. Its position on important overland routes contributed to the movement of peoples, armies, religions and trade across the area over many centuries.<ref name="britannica"/>


=== Early history ===
Various ancient and medieval powers controlled parts of the territory at different times. The region was influenced by Persian, Hellenistic, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic civilizations. Kabul and other settlements became important points along wider commercial and cultural networks linking Central and South Asia.<ref name="britannica"/>


The territory of modern Afghanistan has been inhabited since ancient times and has long been connected with civilizations in Central Asia, Iran and the Indian subcontinent. Parts of the region belonged at different periods to the Achaemenid Empire and were later conquered by [[Alexander the Great]].
=== Emergence of the modern Afghan state ===
The beginning of the modern Afghan state is generally associated with [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]], who established an independent polity in 1747 following the death of the Persian ruler Nader Shah. The state created under Ahmad Shah and his successors became known as the [[Durrani Empire]].<ref name="loc-history"/>


In subsequent centuries, areas of Afghanistan came under the control or influence of Greco-Bactrian, Kushan, Sasanian, Hephthalite and other states. The country's position along major overland routes helped create extensive cultural and commercial exchange.
During the 19th century, Afghanistan became strategically important in the rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire, often called the [[Great Game]]. A series of Anglo-Afghan conflicts accompanied British efforts to influence Afghan foreign affairs, while the country's modern borders were gradually defined during this period.<ref name="britannica"/>


Buddhism was influential in several regions before Islam became dominant. The Bamiyan Valley developed into an important Buddhist religious and cultural centre. Its surviving archaeological landscape contains Buddhist monasteries, caves and the niches of the two monumental Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001.<ref name="bamiyan">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/208 |title=Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
Afghanistan regained control over its foreign relations following the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 under [[Amanullah Khan]]. The United States recognized Afghanistan in 1921 and established diplomatic relations with it in 1935.<ref name="us-relations">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan - Countries |url=https://history.state.gov/countries/afghanistan |website=Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Islam spread through the region following Arab and later Muslim conquests. Medieval Afghanistan formed part of several major Islamic states, including the Ghaznavid and Ghurid empires.
=== Monarchy, republic and communist period ===
Afghanistan remained a monarchy until 1973, when former prime minister [[Mohammed Daoud Khan]] overthrew King [[Mohammed Zahir Shah]] and established a republic. In April 1978, members of the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan seized power in the [[Saur Revolution]], killing Daoud and members of his family.<ref name="soviet"/>


The 12th-century [[Minaret of Jam]], associated with the Ghurid period, survives as one of Afghanistan's most important medieval monuments. UNESCO describes the structure as approximately 65 metres high and dates it to the late twelfth century.<ref name="jam">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/211 |title=Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
Political unrest and armed opposition expanded after the communist takeover. In December 1979, the [[Soviet Union]] sent large numbers of troops into Afghanistan, removed Hafizullah Amin and installed Babrak Karmal as leader. The intervention developed into a prolonged war against Afghan mujahideen groups.<ref name="soviet"/>


=== Formation of the modern Afghan state ===
Soviet forces completed their withdrawal in 1989. The communist government remained in power until 1992, after which rival mujahideen factions competed for control of the country. The conflict caused heavy destruction, particularly in Kabul.<ref name="britannica"/>


In 1747, [[Ahmad Shah Durrani]] emerged as ruler after the death of the Persian ruler Nader Shah. He built an empire extending across Afghanistan and into neighbouring regions and is widely associated with the establishment of the modern Afghan state.
=== First Taliban government and 2001 intervention ===
The [[Taliban]] emerged during the 1990s and captured Kabul in 1996. The movement controlled most of Afghanistan until 2001 and governed through a strict interpretation of Islamic law.<ref name="britannica"/>


His successors faced internal rivalries and the gradual loss of outlying territories. During the nineteenth century, Afghanistan became strategically important in the competition between the British Empire and the Russian Empire, often known as the [[Great Game]].
Following the September 11 attacks in the United States and the Taliban's refusal to meet U.S. demands concerning [[Osama bin Laden]] and [[al-Qaeda]], the United States and coalition partners began military operations in Afghanistan in October 2001. Kabul fell to anti-Taliban forces in November, and the Taliban government collapsed soon afterward.<ref name="us-relations"/>


Britain and Afghanistan fought three Anglo-Afghan wars. Afghan rulers generally retained authority over internal affairs, but Britain gained substantial influence over Afghan foreign relations following the Second Anglo-Afghan War.
A transitional political process produced a new constitution in 2004 and an internationally supported republic. Afghanistan nevertheless continued to experience armed conflict between government forces, foreign troops, Taliban insurgents and other armed groups for the next two decades.<ref name="britannica"/>


=== Independence and monarchy ===
=== Taliban return to power ===
In 2021, United States and other international forces proceeded with their final withdrawal. The Taliban rapidly expanded its territorial control during the summer. Taliban forces entered Kabul on 15 August 2021 after President [[Ashraf Ghani]] left the country, bringing the previous republic to an end in practice.<ref name="un2021"/>


[[Amanullah Khan]] came to power in 1919 and fought the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The settlement that followed restored Afghan control over foreign policy. The United States recognized Afghanistan in 1921 and later established formal diplomatic relations in 1935.<ref name="state-history" />
The Taliban subsequently established a new administration. United Nations bodies generally refer to this administration as the ''de facto authorities'' rather than treating recognition of the government as universal.<ref name="unama2026"/>


Amanullah introduced political and social reforms, but opposition contributed to his abdication in 1929. After a further period of instability, Mohammad Nadir Shah became king. He was succeeded in 1933 by [[Mohammed Zahir Shah]], whose reign lasted until 1973.
Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government in July 2025. A United Nations Security Council monitoring report later recorded Russia as the country that had formally recognized the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan", while other states maintained varying levels of diplomatic engagement without equivalent formal recognition at that time.<ref name="russia-recognition">{{cite web |title=Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/russia-becomes-first-country-recognise-taliban-government-afghanistan-2025-07-03/ |website=Reuters |date=3 July 2025 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="un-monitoring">{{cite web |title=Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4095910/files/S_2025_796-EN.pdf |website=United Nations Digital Library |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Afghanistan remained neutral during the Second World War. During the Cold War, it received development assistance from both Western governments and the Soviet Union.
== Geography ==
 
Afghanistan has no coastline. It borders Pakistan in the east and south, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China through the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast.<ref name="britannica"/>
=== Republic and communist period ===
 
In 1973, former prime minister [[Mohammed Daoud Khan]] overthrew Zahir Shah while the king was abroad, abolished the monarchy and established a republic.
 
Daoud was overthrown in April 1978 by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan. The new Marxist-led government's policies and political repression faced widespread resistance, and armed rebellion spread across the country.<ref name="soviet-history">{{Cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/milestones/1977-1980/soviet-invasion-afghanistan |title=The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. Response, 1978–1980 |website=Office of the Historian |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
=== Soviet–Afghan War ===
 
The Soviet Union sent large numbers of troops into Afghanistan in December 1979. Soviet forces removed Hafizullah Amin and installed Babrak Karmal as head of a Soviet-aligned government.<ref name="soviet-history" />
 
The intervention developed into a long war between Soviet-supported Afghan government forces and numerous mujahideen organizations. Resistance groups received assistance from several foreign governments, including the United States, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
 
Soviet forces completed their withdrawal in February 1989. The Soviet-backed Afghan government remained in power until 1992, after which rival mujahideen factions competed for control. Kabul suffered extensive destruction during the subsequent civil war.
 
=== First Taliban government ===
 
The [[Taliban]] emerged in southern Afghanistan during the 1990s. The movement captured Kandahar in 1994 and Kabul in September 1996.
 
By the late 1990s, the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan, while the Northern Alliance retained areas mainly in the northeast. The Taliban imposed its interpretation of Islamic law, including extensive restrictions on women and girls. Afghanistan also became a base for [[al-Qaeda]] and its leader [[Osama bin Laden]].
 
=== 2001–2021 republic ===
 
Following the September 11 attacks in the United States, the United States and coalition partners began military operations in Afghanistan on 7 October 2001. Kabul fell to anti-Taliban forces the following month.<ref name="state-history" />
 
The UN-backed Bonn political process created an interim political framework. A new constitution was adopted in 2004, and Hamid Karzai became president following elections that year.


International forces remained in Afghanistan while the Taliban gradually rebuilt an insurgency. Fighting intensified over subsequent years despite the development of Afghan national security forces.
The country covers about 652,230 square kilometres. Much of the landscape is mountainous or arid. The Hindu Kush is Afghanistan's dominant mountain system and extends across the central and northeastern parts of the country.<ref name="britannica"/><ref name="cia-summary">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan Country Summary |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/static/fd00b44e12e3769e57d57c1a5da3a826/AF-summary.pdf |website=CIA World Factbook |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Ashraf Ghani became president in 2014. The United States later negotiated directly with the Taliban, leading to the February 2020 Doha agreement setting out conditions connected with the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
Afghanistan can broadly be divided into the central highlands, northern plains and southwestern plateau. The northern plains include comparatively fertile agricultural areas along and south of the [[Amu Darya]]. The southwest contains deserts and semidesert landscapes, including the Registan region.<ref name="britannica"/>


=== Taliban return to power ===
Major rivers include the [[Amu Darya]], [[Helmand River]], Hari River and Kabul River systems. Many rivers depend heavily on snowmelt from mountain regions, making water availability sensitive to seasonal precipitation and drought.


As international forces withdrew in 2021, Taliban forces captured provincial capitals at increasing speed. Kabul came under Taliban control on 15 August 2021 after President Ashraf Ghani left the country.<ref name="reuters-five" />
=== Climate ===
Afghanistan generally has a dry continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers in many areas. Elevation produces major local differences in temperature and precipitation. Mountain regions can experience severe winters, while southwestern lowlands are much hotter and drier.<ref name="cia-summary"/>


The Taliban re-established government institutions under the title Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. [[Hibatullah Akhundzada]] remained the movement's overall leader and [[Mohammad Hassan Akhund]] served as acting prime minister. A CIA listing updated on 3 September 2026 continued to identify both men in those roles.<ref name="cia-leaders">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/resources/world-leaders/foreign-governments/afghanistan/ |title=Afghanistan — Leaders and Cabinet Members |website=CIA World Leaders |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |date=3 September 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
The country's location in an active tectonic region also makes parts of northeastern Afghanistan vulnerable to earthquakes.<ref name="britannica"/>
 
Russia formally recognized the Taliban government on 3 July 2025, becoming the first country to do so.<ref name="reuters-recognition" /> As of September 2026, Russia remained the only country reported to have granted formal recognition, although several other states maintained diplomatic missions or other forms of engagement with the authorities.<ref name="reuters-five" />


== Government and politics ==
== Government and politics ==
The Taliban has exercised effective control over Afghanistan since August 2021. Its administration describes the state as the [[Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan]]. International organizations frequently use the terms ''de facto authorities'' or ''Taliban de facto authorities'' when discussing the administration.<ref name="unama2026"/>


The political order established under Afghanistan's 2004 constitution ceased to operate as the effective national governing system after the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
[[Hibatullah Akhundzada]] is the Taliban's supreme leader and the movement's highest authority. [[Mohammad Hassan Akhund]] serves as acting prime minister. The Taliban administration also maintains ministries and other government institutions operating from Kabul and provincial centres.<ref name="cia-leaders"/>


The Taliban govern through an emirate structure in which Hibatullah Akhundzada holds the highest leadership position. The administration includes an acting prime minister, deputy prime ministers and ministries responsible for foreign affairs, defence, interior affairs, education, finance, the economy and other areas.<ref name="cia-leaders" />
Afghanistan remains a member of the [[United Nations]]. It was admitted on 19 November 1946.<ref name="un-member">{{cite web |title=Member States |url=https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states |website=United Nations |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


As of September 2026, Mohammad Hassan Akhund was listed as acting prime minister. Abdul Ghani Baradar and Abdul Salam Hanafi were among the acting deputy prime ministers.<ref name="cia-leaders" />
International recognition of the Taliban-led administration remains limited. Russia formally recognized it in 2025, while many other governments have maintained diplomatic, humanitarian or technical contacts without taking the same recognition step.<ref name="russia-recognition"/><ref name="un-monitoring"/>


International recognition remains limited. Russia formally recognized the Taliban administration in July 2025. The United States does not recognize the caretaker Taliban government, according to the CIA's September 2026 leadership listing.<ref name="cia-leaders" /><ref name="reuters-recognition" />
=== Human rights ===
The human-rights situation has been a major focus of international monitoring since 2021. UNAMA continues to document alleged violations and restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities, as well as civilian casualties associated with armed violence.<ref name="unama2026"/>


Afghanistan remains a member state of the United Nations. It was admitted to the organization on 19 November 1946.<ref name="un-member" />
Restrictions affecting women and girls have been especially significant. UNESCO reported in August 2026 that Afghanistan remained the only country in which girls and women were formally prohibited from education beyond the primary level. UNESCO estimated that approximately 2.4 million girls were excluded from secondary education in 2026, while women had been excluded from university education since 2022.<ref name="unesco-education">{{cite web |title=Five years on: UNESCO calls for the full restoration of the right to education for Afghan girls and women |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/five-years-unesco-calls-full-restoration-right-education-afghan-girls-and-women?hub=800 |website=UNESCO |date=11 August 2026 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


== Law and human rights ==
The United Nations has also reported restrictions on women's participation in public life, employment and access to UN workplaces in Afghanistan.<ref name="un-women-2026">{{cite web |title=Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Afghanistan |url=https://unama.unmissions.org/en/news/statement-attributable-to-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-on-afghanistan |website=United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan |date=7 September 2026 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Since returning to power, the Taliban authorities have issued laws and directives based on their interpretation of Islamic law. International organizations have documented extensive restrictions affecting women and girls, including restrictions on secondary and higher education, employment, movement and participation in public life.
== Administrative divisions ==
Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces. Provincial administrations are further divided into districts. Kabul Province contains the national capital.


Afghanistan is the only country where girls and women are formally prohibited from secondary and higher education. UNESCO estimated in August 2026 that approximately 2.4 million Afghan girls had been excluded from secondary education since the Taliban returned to power.<ref name="unesco-education">{{Cite web |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/five-years-unesco-calls-full-restoration-right-education-afghan-girls-and-women |title=Five years on: UNESCO calls for the full restoration of the right to education for Afghan girls and women |website=UNESCO |date=11 August 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
Major cities include [[Kabul]], [[Kandahar]], [[Herat]], [[Mazar-i-Sharif]], [[Jalalabad]], [[Kunduz]] and [[Ghazni]].


United Nations officials have also expressed concern about corporal punishment, executions, restrictions on freedom of expression and the legal and social position of women. A February 2026 Reuters report cited the UN human rights chief's concern that a new Taliban decree could expand capital and corporal punishment and deepen restrictions on women and girls.<ref name="reuters-rights">{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-rights-chief-says-taliban-decree-expands-executions-deepens-repression-2026-02-26/ |title=UN rights chief says Taliban decree expands executions, deepens repression |website=Reuters |date=26 February 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
== Economy ==
Afghanistan has a low-income economy that has been strongly affected by decades of conflict, political uncertainty, limited infrastructure, changes in foreign assistance and isolation from parts of the international financial system.


The Taliban authorities state that their policies concerning women and other social matters are based on their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan values. These policies remain a major source of disagreement between the administration, international organizations and many foreign governments.<ref name="reuters-five" />
The World Bank reported that the events of August 2021 were followed by a sharp economic contraction and major disruption to international aid, banking connections, investment and public services. Economic activity later began to recover gradually, although poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, weak investment and restrictions on women's economic participation remained major structural problems.<ref name="worldbank-overview">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan |url=https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/afghanistan |website=World Bank |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


== Foreign relations ==
World Bank data recorded a nominal gross domestic product of approximately US$17.78 billion for 2024 and a population of 43,844,111 for 2025.<ref name="worldbank-data">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan - Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/AF |website=World Bank |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Afghanistan has been a member of the [[United Nations]] since 1946.<ref name="un-member" /> It also has longstanding diplomatic and economic relationships with neighbouring countries and other states across Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
The World Bank estimated in May 2026 that real economic output had continued to grow, but said rapid population growth and large return movements of Afghans were putting pressure on income per person, jobs, infrastructure and public services. Limited finance, unreliable electricity, weak investment and dependence on imports remained important constraints on private-sector development.<ref name="worldbank2026">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan's Economy Shows Resilience, But Living Standards Are Falling |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/05/26/afghanistan-s-economy-shows-resilience-but-living-standards-are-falling |website=World Bank |date=26 May 2026 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, neighbouring governments and regional powers continued diplomatic, economic and security contacts with Kabul despite widespread reluctance to recognize the government formally.
=== Agriculture and food security ===
Agriculture remains important for employment and rural livelihoods. Wheat is one of the country's principal crops, while livestock, fruit, nuts and other agricultural products also contribute to rural incomes.


Russia became the first country to grant formal recognition in July 2025.<ref name="reuters-recognition" /> China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and other countries have maintained varying forms of diplomatic engagement with Kabul without the same formal recognition status reported for Russia.<ref name="reuters-five" />
The Food and Agriculture Organization reported in September 2026 that Afghanistan's 2025–26 wheat harvest was forecast at an above-average level, but cereal import requirements remained substantial. FAO estimated that about 13.8 million people faced acute food insecurity between April and November 2026.<ref name="fao2026">{{cite web |title=FAO GIEWS Country Brief on Afghanistan |url=https://cb.apps.fao.org/country.jsp?code=AFG |website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |date=15 September 2026 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Relations with [[Pakistan]] have become increasingly tense over cross-border militancy and accusations concerning armed groups operating from Afghan territory. The Taliban authorities deny Pakistani accusations that they support or shelter militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
=== Mining and natural resources ===
Afghanistan contains deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and other minerals. Mining has received attention as a possible source of state revenue and private investment, but development has been constrained by infrastructure limitations, financing problems, regulatory uncertainty and political risk.<ref name="worldbank-overview"/>


Cross-border fighting and Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan occurred during 2026. On 21 September 2026, Pakistan said it had carried out strikes against militant targets in Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities and the United Nations reported civilian deaths from the attacks.<ref name="reuters-pakistan">{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/least-three-killed-pakistani-airstrike-afghanistan-tolo-news-reports-2026-09-21/ |title=Pakistan says it killed 28 militants, Afghan Taliban and UN report three civilian deaths |website=Reuters |date=21 September 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
=== Currency ===
 
The national currency is the [[Afghan afghani]], commonly abbreviated as AFN. Da Afghanistan Bank states that the afghani is Afghanistan's monetary unit and is used for official monetary transactions.<ref name="dab">{{cite web |title=Da Afghanistan Bank Notification |url=https://dab.gov.af/node/7035 |website=Da Afghanistan Bank |date=15 September 2021 |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>
Afghanistan also maintains important economic and political relationships with Iran, China, Russia and the Central Asian republics.
 
== Economy ==
 
Afghanistan has a low-income economy in which agriculture, trade, services, construction and natural resources play important roles. Decades of conflict, weak infrastructure, restricted access to international finance and dependence on foreign assistance have constrained development.
 
World Bank data placed Afghanistan's gross domestic product at approximately US$17.78 billion in 2024.<ref name="worldbank-data">{{Cite web |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/afghanistan |title=Afghanistan — Data |website=World Bank Open Data |publisher=World Bank |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
Economic activity contracted sharply following the political transition in 2021 before later returning to growth. In May 2026, the World Bank estimated real GDP growth of 4.8 percent for 2025. It also reported that rapid population growth associated partly with the return of millions of Afghans caused GDP per capita to fall by about 5.6 percent.<ref name="worldbank-2026">{{Cite web |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/05/26/afghanistan-s-economy-shows-resilience-but-living-standards-are-falling |title=Afghanistan's Economy Shows Resilience but living standards are falling |website=World Bank |date=26 May 2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
The World Bank identified poverty, food insecurity, weak investment, limited access to finance, unreliable electricity, declining foreign grants and a large trade deficit among continuing economic challenges.<ref name="worldbank-2026" />
 
Agriculture remains important for employment and food supply. Major products include wheat, fruit, nuts and livestock. Mining and quarrying also contribute to economic activity. Afghanistan has deposits of copper, iron, coal, precious stones and other minerals.
 
The national currency is the '''Afghan afghani'''. Da Afghanistan Bank states that, under Article 33 of its banking law, the currency and monetary unit of Afghanistan is the afghani.<ref name="dab">{{Cite web |url=https://dab.gov.af/node/7035 |title=Da Afghanistan Bank Notification |website=Da Afghanistan Bank |date=15 September 2021 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
Afghanistan has a young and ethnically diverse population. Major communities include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks, alongside Turkmen, Aimaq, Baloch, Nuristani, Pashai and other groups.<ref name="cia-summary"/>


Reliable demographic measurement in Afghanistan is complicated by decades of conflict, displacement, incomplete census coverage and large-scale migration.
Reliable demographic measurement has historically been difficult because of conflict, displacement, migration and incomplete census coverage. World Bank estimates placed the country's population at about 43.8 million in 2025.<ref name="worldbank-data"/>
 
World Bank data estimated the population at 43,844,111 in 2025.<ref name="worldbank-pop" />
 
Afghanistan is ethnically diverse. Major communities include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks, alongside Turkmen, Aimaq, Baloch, Nuristani, Pashai and other groups. Historical ethnolinguistic maps held by the Library of Congress illustrate the country's complex regional distribution of languages and ethnic communities.<ref name="loc-ethnic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/2005631117/ |title=Afghanistan ethnic groups |website=Library of Congress |publisher=Library of Congress Geography and Map Division |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
Large Afghan communities also live abroad, particularly in neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. Migration and displacement have repeatedly increased during periods of war and political upheaval.
 
Millions of Afghans returned or were deported from neighbouring countries during the mid-2020s. The World Bank estimated that around 3.7 million Afghans returned to the country during the period associated with its 2025 economic assessment, increasing pressure on employment, housing and public services.<ref name="worldbank-2026" />
 
== Languages ==


Afghanistan is a multilingual country. [[Dari]] and [[Pashto]] have long been the principal official languages of the Afghan state.
Large numbers of Afghans have also lived outside the country as refugees, migrants or displaced persons during successive periods of conflict. Population movements from neighbouring states have continued to affect Afghanistan's labour market, housing, food supply and public services.<ref name="worldbank2026"/>


Article 16 of the 2004 constitution identified Pashto and Dari as official state languages. It also provided for official regional use of Uzbek, Turkmen, Pashai, Nuristani, Balochi and Pamiri languages in areas where speakers formed a majority.<ref name="constitution">{{Cite web |url=https://moj.gov.af/en/node/450 |title=Enforced Constitution of Afghanistan |website=Ministry of Justice of Afghanistan |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
=== Languages ===
Dari and Pashto are the two principal official languages traditionally recognized by the Afghan state. The 2004 constitution designated Pashto and Dari as official languages and provided for additional regional official status for several other languages in areas where they were spoken by a majority.<ref name="constitution">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan 2004 Constitution |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Afghanistan_2004 |website=Constitute Project |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Dari, an Afghan variety of Persian, is widely used as a language of communication between communities and has historically been important in administration, education, literature and urban life.
Other languages spoken in Afghanistan include Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashai, Nuristani and Pamiri languages.<ref name="constitution"/>


Pashto is widely spoken in southern and eastern Afghanistan as well as by communities throughout other parts of the country. Numerous Iranian, Turkic and Nuristani languages are also spoken.
Dari functions widely as a lingua franca between communities, while Pashto is particularly important across southern and eastern regions and among Pashtun communities.<ref name="cia-summary"/>


== Religion ==
=== Religion ===
 
Islam is the dominant religion in Afghanistan. Most Afghan Muslims are Sunni, while a significant minority, including many Hazaras, follow Shia Islam. Smaller religious communities have also existed historically.<ref name="cia-summary"/>
[[Islam]] is the dominant religion in Afghanistan and has had a major role in the country's political, social and cultural history.
 
Most Afghan Muslims are Sunni. Shia Muslim communities include a substantial proportion of the Hazara population as well as other groups.
 
Afghanistan has historically also contained smaller Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and other religious communities. Many members of these communities emigrated during decades of conflict and instability.


== Education ==
== Education ==
Afghanistan's education system expanded substantially during the two decades after 2001, including increased school attendance by girls. These gains were substantially affected after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.


Afghanistan's education system expanded substantially after 2001, when millions of children entered primary and secondary schools and higher-education institutions. Progress remained uneven because of poverty, insecurity, shortages of trained teachers and large differences between urban and rural areas.
Girls are currently permitted access to primary education but remain excluded by the de facto authorities from formal secondary schooling. Women have also been barred from universities since 2022. UNESCO estimated in 2026 that 2.4 million girls were excluded from secondary education.<ref name="unesco-education"/>


Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, access to education became sharply divided by gender. Girls were eventually prohibited from secondary education, while women were barred from universities.
UNESCO and partner organizations continue to operate community-based education, literacy, skills and distance-learning programmes, but the organization states that these programmes are not substitutes for unrestricted access to formal schooling.<ref name="unesco-education"/>


UNESCO reported in August 2026 that an estimated 2.4 million Afghan girls had been excluded from secondary education. It also said Afghanistan remained the only country in the world where girls and women were formally prohibited from secondary and higher education.<ref name="unesco-education" />
== Health ==
Afghanistan's health system has faced long-standing difficulties including shortages of funding, trained personnel, facilities and medical supplies, particularly in rural and remote areas. Conflict, poverty, displacement and geographic isolation have further complicated access to healthcare.


UNESCO has warned that restrictions on women's education also affect the wider education system by reducing the future supply of qualified female teachers and increasing pressure on already limited educational resources.<ref name="unesco-education" />
World Bank data recorded average life expectancy at birth at approximately 66 years in 2024.<ref name="worldbank-data"/>


Taliban officials have maintained that education policies must comply with their interpretation of Islamic and cultural requirements.
== Infrastructure ==
Afghanistan's mountainous terrain has historically complicated construction and maintenance of transport networks. Roads provide the main form of internal transport, linking Kabul with major provincial centres and neighbouring countries.


== Health ==
Air transport connects Kabul and several regional cities. Afghanistan has no seacoast, so international trade depends heavily on road, rail and transit routes through neighbouring states.
 
Afghanistan's health system has been shaped by decades of war, poverty, population displacement and dependence on international support.


Major public-health challenges include maternal and child health, malnutrition, infectious diseases, shortages of trained medical workers and limited access to specialist care outside major cities.
Electricity supply has expanded over time but remains constrained by domestic generation capacity and infrastructure. The country imports a significant share of its electricity from neighbouring Central Asian states and Iran.


Humanitarian organizations and international agencies continue to support hospitals, clinics, vaccination programmes and nutrition services. Declining foreign assistance and restrictions affecting women's employment have created additional challenges for the delivery of some services.
Afghanistan uses the international telephone calling code +93.<ref name="itu">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan (country code +93) |url=https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/oth/02/02/T02020000010003PDFE.pdf |website=International Telecommunication Union |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
Afghanistan's culture reflects its position between Central Asia, South Asia and the Iranian cultural sphere. Its communities maintain diverse traditions in language, poetry, music, clothing, crafts, architecture and cuisine.


Afghan culture reflects Persianate, Central Asian, South Asian and local traditions developed across a highly diverse population.
Dari and Pashto both have long literary traditions. Poetry has played a prominent role in Afghan cultural life, while oral poetry and storytelling remain important in many communities.
 
Regional differences can be seen in language, clothing, architecture, food, music, poetry and social customs.


Poetry has a particularly important place in Afghan cultural life. Persian-language literary traditions are deeply established, while Pashto has its own major written and oral poetic traditions. Folk poetry and oral storytelling remain important in many communities.
Traditional crafts include carpet weaving, embroidery, metalwork, woodwork and ceramics. Afghan cuisine commonly includes rice dishes, bread, meat, pulses, vegetables, yoghurt and dried or fresh fruit, with regional variations across the country.


Traditional crafts include carpet weaving, embroidery, ceramics, metalwork, woodwork and jewellery. Afghan carpets and rugs are produced in several regional styles and remain culturally and economically important.
=== Cultural heritage ===
Afghanistan possesses archaeological and architectural remains reflecting Buddhist, Islamic and other periods of its history.


Afghan cuisine varies by region but commonly uses rice, wheat, meat, vegetables, dairy products, dried fruits and nuts. ''Kabuli palaw'', commonly prepared with rice, meat, carrots and raisins, is one of the dishes most closely associated with Afghan cuisine.
UNESCO lists two Afghan properties as World Heritage Sites: the [[Minaret of Jam|Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam]], inscribed in 2002, and the [[Bamiyan Valley|Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley]], inscribed in 2003.<ref name="unesco-wh">{{cite web |title=Afghanistan - UNESCO World Heritage Convention |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/af |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


== Heritage ==
Both properties remained on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2026. The Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century brick minaret standing about 65 metres high in Ghor Province, is noted for its architecture, inscriptions and decorative brickwork.<ref name="unesco-jam">{{cite web |title=Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/211/ |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=29 September 2026}}</ref>


Afghanistan contains archaeological and architectural sites representing Buddhist, Islamic and other periods of its history.
The Bamiyan Valley contains archaeological remains from the period when the region was an important Buddhist centre along trans-Asian trade routes. The two monumental standing Buddha statues for which the valley became internationally known were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
 
UNESCO lists two Afghan properties on the World Heritage List: the '''Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam''', inscribed in 2002, and the '''Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley''', inscribed in 2003.<ref name="unesco-afghanistan">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/af |title=Afghanistan |website=UNESCO World Heritage Convention |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
The Minaret of Jam is a 12th-century brick structure approximately 65 metres high. Its surface is decorated with geometric brickwork and inscriptions, and UNESCO identifies it as an important surviving example of Ghurid architecture.<ref name="jam" />
 
In 2026, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided to retain the Minaret of Jam on the List of World Heritage in Danger while requesting continued conservation and monitoring work.<ref name="jam-2026">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/9015 |title=Decision 48 COM 7A.24 — Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |year=2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
The Bamiyan Valley preserves Buddhist monasteries, caves, artistic remains and the niches where two monumental Buddha statues stood until their destruction by the Taliban in March 2001.<ref name="bamiyan" />
 
The World Heritage Committee also retained the Bamiyan Valley on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2026.<ref name="bamiyan-2026">{{Cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/9014/ |title=Decision 48 COM 7A.23 — Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |year=2026 |access-date=24 September 2026}}</ref>
 
Other historically important urban and archaeological centres include Herat, Balkh, Ghazni and Kabul.
 
== Infrastructure and transport ==
 
Afghanistan's mountainous geography creates major challenges for domestic transportation. Roads are the principal means of movement for people and goods.
 
A national highway network links Kabul with cities including Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif. Mountain passes are strategically important, particularly the Salang Pass, which provides a major connection between Kabul and northern Afghanistan.
 
International airports serve Kabul, Kandahar, Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif. Afghanistan historically had only a small railway network, although cross-border railway links with neighbouring Central Asian countries have gradually expanded.
 
== Media and communications ==
 
Afghanistan developed a large television, radio and online media sector during the two decades after 2001.
 
Following the Taliban return to power, journalists and media organizations began operating under tighter restrictions concerning content, employment and public presentation. Restrictions on women have also affected female journalists and broadcasters.<ref name="reuters-five" />
 
Mobile telecommunications expanded rapidly during the first two decades of the twenty-first century and became one of the country's principal forms of communication. Internet access has also expanded, particularly in urban areas, although availability, affordability and service quality vary substantially.


== Environment ==
== Environment ==
Afghanistan contains environments ranging from high alpine mountains and grasslands to dry steppe and desert. Water availability is a major environmental concern because much of the country depends on seasonal rain and snowmelt.


Afghanistan faces environmental challenges including drought, desertification, soil erosion, deforestation, water scarcity and damage from extreme weather.
Drought, floods, earthquakes, land degradation and changing precipitation patterns have repeatedly affected agriculture and rural livelihoods. These pressures combine with poverty and limited infrastructure to increase vulnerability in many communities.
 
Because much of the country's water supply depends on snow accumulation and seasonal melting in the mountains, changes in precipitation and temperature can have important effects on agriculture and water availability.


Floods and droughts periodically cause serious damage to agricultural production and rural settlements.
[[Band-e Amir]] in Bamiyan Province is known for a group of high-altitude lakes surrounded by limestone and mountainous terrain.


Afghanistan also lies in an active seismic region and experiences frequent earthquakes. Mountainous northeastern and western areas have suffered particularly destructive earthquakes.
== International relations ==
Afghanistan joined the United Nations in 1946 and remains a UN member state.<ref name="un-member"/>


== Sport ==
Its location gives it important relations with neighbouring Pakistan, Iran, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as with other regional and global powers.


Traditional sports include '''buzkashi''', an equestrian competition in which riders compete for control of an animal carcass or equivalent competition object. The sport has especially strong cultural associations with northern and central Afghanistan.
Since 2021, foreign relations have been shaped by questions concerning recognition of the Taliban administration, humanitarian assistance, terrorism, human rights, migration, trade and regional security. Russia formally recognized the Taliban-led government in 2025, while other governments have pursued differing levels of engagement.<ref name="russia-recognition"/><ref name="un-monitoring"/>


[[Cricket]] developed rapidly in Afghanistan during the twenty-first century and became one of the country's most internationally successful modern sports. The Afghanistan national cricket team has participated in major international tournaments.
The [[United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan]] continues to operate in the country. Its work includes political engagement, human-rights monitoring and coordination with international and Afghan stakeholders.<ref name="unama2026"/>


Football is also widely played. Other popular activities include wrestling, martial arts and regional traditional sports.
== Did you know about Afghanistan? ==
* Afghanistan has no coastline and shares borders with six countries: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China.<ref name="britannica"/>
* The modern Afghan state is commonly traced to Ahmad Shah Durrani's rise in 1747.<ref name="loc-history"/>
* Afghanistan became a member of the United Nations on 19 November 1946.<ref name="un-member"/>
* The narrow Wakhan Corridor gives Afghanistan a short border with China in the country's far northeast.<ref name="britannica"/>
* UNESCO lists two World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan: the Bamiyan Valley and the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam.<ref name="unesco-wh"/>
* UNESCO estimated in 2026 that about 2.4 million Afghan girls were excluded from secondary education under restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities.<ref name="unesco-education"/>
* FAO estimated that approximately 13.8 million people in Afghanistan faced acute food insecurity between April and November 2026.<ref name="fao2026"/>
* Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government after its return to power, doing so in July 2025.<ref name="russia-recognition"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Kabul]]
* [[Kabul]]
* [[History of Afghanistan]]
* [[Hindu Kush]]
* [[Hindu Kush]]
* [[Central Asia]]
* [[South Asia]]
* [[Taliban]]
* [[Afghan afghani]]
* [[Bamiyan Valley]]
* [[Bamiyan Valley]]
* [[Minaret of Jam]]
* [[Minaret of Jam]]
* [[Band-e Amir]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
 
* [https://afghanistan.un.org/ United Nations in Afghanistan]
* [https://www.un.org/about-us/member-states Afghanistan at the United Nations]
* [https://unama.unmissions.org/ United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan]
* [https://data.worldbank.org/country/afghanistan Afghanistan at the World Bank]
* [https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/afghanistan World Bank – Afghanistan]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/af Afghanistan at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/af UNESCO World Heritage Convention – Afghanistan]
* [https://dab.gov.af/ Da Afghanistan Bank]
* [https://www.dab.gov.af/ Da Afghanistan Bank]
* [https://www.cia.gov/resources/world-leaders/foreign-governments/afghanistan/ Afghanistan leadership listing at the CIA World Leaders directory]


[[Category:Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Countries]]
[[Category:Countries in Asia]]
[[Category:Countries in Asia]]
[[Category:Central Asian countries]]
[[Category:South Asian countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Central Asia]]
[[Category:South Asia]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]

Revision as of 08:39, 29 September 2026

Afghanistan
Country



Native name
افغانستان




Capital
Kabul
Largest city
Kabul
Continent
Asia
Region
South-central Asia
Official languages
Dari and Pashto


Demonym
Afghan
Government
De facto Islamic emirate under Taliban rule
Supreme Leader
Hibatullah Akhundzada
Acting Prime Minister
Mohammad Hassan Akhund


Formation
Modern Afghan state conventionally dated to 1747; independence in foreign affairs achieved in 1919
Area
652,230 km²
Water (%)
0
Population
43,844,111(2025)



GDP (nominal)
US$17.78 billion(2024)
Currency
Afghan afghani(AFN)
Time zone
Afghanistan Time
Driving side
right
Calling code
+93
Internet TLD
.af
ISO alpha-2
AF
ISO alpha-3
AFG
ISO numeric
004
Coordinates
33°N 65°E


Map of Afghanistan showing its provincial boundaries

Map of Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in south-central Asia. It lies between Iran to the west, Pakistan to the east and south, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north, and China at the eastern end of the narrow Wakhan Corridor. Its capital and largest city is Kabul. Afghanistan's terrain is dominated by mountains, particularly the Hindu Kush, together with high plateaus, northern plains and desert regions.[1]

Afghanistan has been a meeting point between Central Asia, South Asia, the Iranian plateau and the Middle East for centuries. The modern Afghan state is commonly associated with the rise of Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747. Afghanistan later became a focus of rivalry between the British and Russian empires, and its modern international boundaries largely emerged during the 19th century.[2][1]

The country experienced repeated political upheaval and warfare during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the Soviet intervention beginning in 1979, civil war, the first period of Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, the United States-led military intervention beginning in 2001, and the restoration of Taliban control in August 2021.[3][4]

Since August 2021, Afghanistan has been governed in practice by the Taliban. International organizations, including the United Nations, commonly describe the Taliban administration as the country's de facto authorities. Hibatullah Akhundzada is the overall Taliban leader, while Mohammad Hassan Akhund serves as acting prime minister.[5][6]

Name

The English name Afghanistan is used internationally for the country. In Dari and Pashto, the country is written افغانستان. The term Afghan is used as the demonym for a citizen of Afghanistan.

United Nations geographical-name records list Afghanistan as the country's English short name. Dari and Pashto forms are also recorded in the United Nations geographical-names system.[7]

History

Early and pre-modern history

The territory of present-day Afghanistan has historically connected regions of Central Asia, Iran and the Indian subcontinent. Its position on important overland routes contributed to the movement of peoples, armies, religions and trade across the area over many centuries.[1]

Various ancient and medieval powers controlled parts of the territory at different times. The region was influenced by Persian, Hellenistic, Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic civilizations. Kabul and other settlements became important points along wider commercial and cultural networks linking Central and South Asia.[1]

Emergence of the modern Afghan state

The beginning of the modern Afghan state is generally associated with Ahmad Shah Durrani, who established an independent polity in 1747 following the death of the Persian ruler Nader Shah. The state created under Ahmad Shah and his successors became known as the Durrani Empire.[2]

During the 19th century, Afghanistan became strategically important in the rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire, often called the Great Game. A series of Anglo-Afghan conflicts accompanied British efforts to influence Afghan foreign affairs, while the country's modern borders were gradually defined during this period.[1]

Afghanistan regained control over its foreign relations following the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919 under Amanullah Khan. The United States recognized Afghanistan in 1921 and established diplomatic relations with it in 1935.[8]

Monarchy, republic and communist period

Afghanistan remained a monarchy until 1973, when former prime minister Mohammed Daoud Khan overthrew King Mohammed Zahir Shah and established a republic. In April 1978, members of the communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan seized power in the Saur Revolution, killing Daoud and members of his family.[3]

Political unrest and armed opposition expanded after the communist takeover. In December 1979, the Soviet Union sent large numbers of troops into Afghanistan, removed Hafizullah Amin and installed Babrak Karmal as leader. The intervention developed into a prolonged war against Afghan mujahideen groups.[3]

Soviet forces completed their withdrawal in 1989. The communist government remained in power until 1992, after which rival mujahideen factions competed for control of the country. The conflict caused heavy destruction, particularly in Kabul.[1]

First Taliban government and 2001 intervention

The Taliban emerged during the 1990s and captured Kabul in 1996. The movement controlled most of Afghanistan until 2001 and governed through a strict interpretation of Islamic law.[1]

Following the September 11 attacks in the United States and the Taliban's refusal to meet U.S. demands concerning Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, the United States and coalition partners began military operations in Afghanistan in October 2001. Kabul fell to anti-Taliban forces in November, and the Taliban government collapsed soon afterward.[8]

A transitional political process produced a new constitution in 2004 and an internationally supported republic. Afghanistan nevertheless continued to experience armed conflict between government forces, foreign troops, Taliban insurgents and other armed groups for the next two decades.[1]

Taliban return to power

In 2021, United States and other international forces proceeded with their final withdrawal. The Taliban rapidly expanded its territorial control during the summer. Taliban forces entered Kabul on 15 August 2021 after President Ashraf Ghani left the country, bringing the previous republic to an end in practice.[4]

The Taliban subsequently established a new administration. United Nations bodies generally refer to this administration as the de facto authorities rather than treating recognition of the government as universal.[6]

Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government in July 2025. A United Nations Security Council monitoring report later recorded Russia as the country that had formally recognized the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan", while other states maintained varying levels of diplomatic engagement without equivalent formal recognition at that time.[9][10]

Geography

Afghanistan has no coastline. It borders Pakistan in the east and south, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China through the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast.[1]

The country covers about 652,230 square kilometres. Much of the landscape is mountainous or arid. The Hindu Kush is Afghanistan's dominant mountain system and extends across the central and northeastern parts of the country.[1][11]

Afghanistan can broadly be divided into the central highlands, northern plains and southwestern plateau. The northern plains include comparatively fertile agricultural areas along and south of the Amu Darya. The southwest contains deserts and semidesert landscapes, including the Registan region.[1]

Major rivers include the Amu Darya, Helmand River, Hari River and Kabul River systems. Many rivers depend heavily on snowmelt from mountain regions, making water availability sensitive to seasonal precipitation and drought.

Climate

Afghanistan generally has a dry continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers in many areas. Elevation produces major local differences in temperature and precipitation. Mountain regions can experience severe winters, while southwestern lowlands are much hotter and drier.[11]

The country's location in an active tectonic region also makes parts of northeastern Afghanistan vulnerable to earthquakes.[1]

Government and politics

The Taliban has exercised effective control over Afghanistan since August 2021. Its administration describes the state as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. International organizations frequently use the terms de facto authorities or Taliban de facto authorities when discussing the administration.[6]

Hibatullah Akhundzada is the Taliban's supreme leader and the movement's highest authority. Mohammad Hassan Akhund serves as acting prime minister. The Taliban administration also maintains ministries and other government institutions operating from Kabul and provincial centres.[5]

Afghanistan remains a member of the United Nations. It was admitted on 19 November 1946.[12]

International recognition of the Taliban-led administration remains limited. Russia formally recognized it in 2025, while many other governments have maintained diplomatic, humanitarian or technical contacts without taking the same recognition step.[9][10]

Human rights

The human-rights situation has been a major focus of international monitoring since 2021. UNAMA continues to document alleged violations and restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities, as well as civilian casualties associated with armed violence.[6]

Restrictions affecting women and girls have been especially significant. UNESCO reported in August 2026 that Afghanistan remained the only country in which girls and women were formally prohibited from education beyond the primary level. UNESCO estimated that approximately 2.4 million girls were excluded from secondary education in 2026, while women had been excluded from university education since 2022.[13]

The United Nations has also reported restrictions on women's participation in public life, employment and access to UN workplaces in Afghanistan.[14]

Administrative divisions

Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces. Provincial administrations are further divided into districts. Kabul Province contains the national capital.

Major cities include Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, Kunduz and Ghazni.

Economy

Afghanistan has a low-income economy that has been strongly affected by decades of conflict, political uncertainty, limited infrastructure, changes in foreign assistance and isolation from parts of the international financial system.

The World Bank reported that the events of August 2021 were followed by a sharp economic contraction and major disruption to international aid, banking connections, investment and public services. Economic activity later began to recover gradually, although poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, weak investment and restrictions on women's economic participation remained major structural problems.[15]

World Bank data recorded a nominal gross domestic product of approximately US$17.78 billion for 2024 and a population of 43,844,111 for 2025.[16]

The World Bank estimated in May 2026 that real economic output had continued to grow, but said rapid population growth and large return movements of Afghans were putting pressure on income per person, jobs, infrastructure and public services. Limited finance, unreliable electricity, weak investment and dependence on imports remained important constraints on private-sector development.[17]

Agriculture and food security

Agriculture remains important for employment and rural livelihoods. Wheat is one of the country's principal crops, while livestock, fruit, nuts and other agricultural products also contribute to rural incomes.

The Food and Agriculture Organization reported in September 2026 that Afghanistan's 2025–26 wheat harvest was forecast at an above-average level, but cereal import requirements remained substantial. FAO estimated that about 13.8 million people faced acute food insecurity between April and November 2026.[18]

Mining and natural resources

Afghanistan contains deposits of coal, natural gas, copper and other minerals. Mining has received attention as a possible source of state revenue and private investment, but development has been constrained by infrastructure limitations, financing problems, regulatory uncertainty and political risk.[15]

Currency

The national currency is the Afghan afghani, commonly abbreviated as AFN. Da Afghanistan Bank states that the afghani is Afghanistan's monetary unit and is used for official monetary transactions.[19]

Demographics

Afghanistan has a young and ethnically diverse population. Major communities include Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks, alongside Turkmen, Aimaq, Baloch, Nuristani, Pashai and other groups.[11]

Reliable demographic measurement has historically been difficult because of conflict, displacement, migration and incomplete census coverage. World Bank estimates placed the country's population at about 43.8 million in 2025.[16]

Large numbers of Afghans have also lived outside the country as refugees, migrants or displaced persons during successive periods of conflict. Population movements from neighbouring states have continued to affect Afghanistan's labour market, housing, food supply and public services.[17]

Languages

Dari and Pashto are the two principal official languages traditionally recognized by the Afghan state. The 2004 constitution designated Pashto and Dari as official languages and provided for additional regional official status for several other languages in areas where they were spoken by a majority.[20]

Other languages spoken in Afghanistan include Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashai, Nuristani and Pamiri languages.[20]

Dari functions widely as a lingua franca between communities, while Pashto is particularly important across southern and eastern regions and among Pashtun communities.[11]

Religion

Islam is the dominant religion in Afghanistan. Most Afghan Muslims are Sunni, while a significant minority, including many Hazaras, follow Shia Islam. Smaller religious communities have also existed historically.[11]

Education

Afghanistan's education system expanded substantially during the two decades after 2001, including increased school attendance by girls. These gains were substantially affected after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.

Girls are currently permitted access to primary education but remain excluded by the de facto authorities from formal secondary schooling. Women have also been barred from universities since 2022. UNESCO estimated in 2026 that 2.4 million girls were excluded from secondary education.[13]

UNESCO and partner organizations continue to operate community-based education, literacy, skills and distance-learning programmes, but the organization states that these programmes are not substitutes for unrestricted access to formal schooling.[13]

Health

Afghanistan's health system has faced long-standing difficulties including shortages of funding, trained personnel, facilities and medical supplies, particularly in rural and remote areas. Conflict, poverty, displacement and geographic isolation have further complicated access to healthcare.

World Bank data recorded average life expectancy at birth at approximately 66 years in 2024.[16]

Infrastructure

Afghanistan's mountainous terrain has historically complicated construction and maintenance of transport networks. Roads provide the main form of internal transport, linking Kabul with major provincial centres and neighbouring countries.

Air transport connects Kabul and several regional cities. Afghanistan has no seacoast, so international trade depends heavily on road, rail and transit routes through neighbouring states.

Electricity supply has expanded over time but remains constrained by domestic generation capacity and infrastructure. The country imports a significant share of its electricity from neighbouring Central Asian states and Iran.

Afghanistan uses the international telephone calling code +93.[21]

Culture

Afghanistan's culture reflects its position between Central Asia, South Asia and the Iranian cultural sphere. Its communities maintain diverse traditions in language, poetry, music, clothing, crafts, architecture and cuisine.

Dari and Pashto both have long literary traditions. Poetry has played a prominent role in Afghan cultural life, while oral poetry and storytelling remain important in many communities.

Traditional crafts include carpet weaving, embroidery, metalwork, woodwork and ceramics. Afghan cuisine commonly includes rice dishes, bread, meat, pulses, vegetables, yoghurt and dried or fresh fruit, with regional variations across the country.

Cultural heritage

Afghanistan possesses archaeological and architectural remains reflecting Buddhist, Islamic and other periods of its history.

UNESCO lists two Afghan properties as World Heritage Sites: the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam, inscribed in 2002, and the Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley, inscribed in 2003.[22]

Both properties remained on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2026. The Minaret of Jam, a 12th-century brick minaret standing about 65 metres high in Ghor Province, is noted for its architecture, inscriptions and decorative brickwork.[23]

The Bamiyan Valley contains archaeological remains from the period when the region was an important Buddhist centre along trans-Asian trade routes. The two monumental standing Buddha statues for which the valley became internationally known were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Environment

Afghanistan contains environments ranging from high alpine mountains and grasslands to dry steppe and desert. Water availability is a major environmental concern because much of the country depends on seasonal rain and snowmelt.

Drought, floods, earthquakes, land degradation and changing precipitation patterns have repeatedly affected agriculture and rural livelihoods. These pressures combine with poverty and limited infrastructure to increase vulnerability in many communities.

Band-e Amir in Bamiyan Province is known for a group of high-altitude lakes surrounded by limestone and mountainous terrain.

International relations

Afghanistan joined the United Nations in 1946 and remains a UN member state.[12]

Its location gives it important relations with neighbouring Pakistan, Iran, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as with other regional and global powers.

Since 2021, foreign relations have been shaped by questions concerning recognition of the Taliban administration, humanitarian assistance, terrorism, human rights, migration, trade and regional security. Russia formally recognized the Taliban-led government in 2025, while other governments have pursued differing levels of engagement.[9][10]

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan continues to operate in the country. Its work includes political engagement, human-rights monitoring and coordination with international and Afghan stakeholders.[6]

Did you know about Afghanistan?

  • Afghanistan has no coastline and shares borders with six countries: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China.[1]
  • The modern Afghan state is commonly traced to Ahmad Shah Durrani's rise in 1747.[2]
  • Afghanistan became a member of the United Nations on 19 November 1946.[12]
  • The narrow Wakhan Corridor gives Afghanistan a short border with China in the country's far northeast.[1]
  • UNESCO lists two World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan: the Bamiyan Valley and the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam.[22]
  • UNESCO estimated in 2026 that about 2.4 million Afghan girls were excluded from secondary education under restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities.[13]
  • FAO estimated that approximately 13.8 million people in Afghanistan faced acute food insecurity between April and November 2026.[18]
  • Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban-led government after its return to power, doing so in July 2025.[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Afghanistan. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Kitāb musṭatāb-i Sirāj al-tavārīkh. Library of Congress. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the U.S. Response, 1978–1980. Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 2021 UN Country Annual Results Report. United Nations in Afghanistan. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Afghanistan - World Leaders. Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Update on the Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan (April to June 2026). United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. 28 July 2026. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  7. ↑ Country Details - Afghanistan. United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Afghanistan - Countries. Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban government of Afghanistan. Reuters. 3 July 2025. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Afghanistan Country Summary. CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Member States. United Nations. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Five years on: UNESCO calls for the full restoration of the right to education for Afghan girls and women. UNESCO. 11 August 2026. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  14. ↑ Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Afghanistan. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. 7 September 2026. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Afghanistan. World Bank. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Afghanistan - Data. World Bank. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Afghanistan's Economy Shows Resilience, But Living Standards Are Falling. World Bank. 26 May 2026. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 FAO GIEWS Country Brief on Afghanistan. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 15 September 2026. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  19. ↑ Da Afghanistan Bank Notification. Da Afghanistan Bank. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Afghanistan 2004 Constitution. Constitute Project. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  21. ↑ Afghanistan (country code +93). International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Afghanistan - UNESCO World Heritage Convention. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
  23. ↑ Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 29 September 2026.
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