Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The country is known for its mountainous terrain, with the Hindu Kush range dividing the northern plains from the rest of the country. Kabul serves as its capital and largest city. Afghanistan's population is estimated to be between 40 and 50 million.
Afghanistan has a rich history, serving as a key location on trade routes and witnessing numerous military campaigns throughout history. Key attractions include the turquoise-domed Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, the Buddhas of Bamiyan, the Minaret of Jam (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the cities of Herat and Faizabad. Band-e Amir National Park is known for its deep blue lakes. However, due to prolonged periods of conflict, Afghanistan faces challenges such as terrorism, poverty, and child malnutrition.
Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, the country has faced international isolation and economic hardship. The Taliban government is widely unrecognized due to reported human rights violations, particularly regarding the rights of women. In January 2026, the Taliban issued a new Criminal Procedural Regulation for Courts, which has raised concerns over the subjugation of women and the legalization of slavery. The country's economic development has been hampered, and many Afghans have been forced to migrate.
