Afghanistan – Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Information about Afghanistan

Working Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:00

Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00

Wednesday 09:00 - 16:00

Thursday 09:00 - 16:00

Friday 09:00 - 14:00

Saturday Close

Sunday Close

Official name

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Location and Area:

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with an area of 652,864 square kilometers (249,935 square miles), making it the 41st largest country in the world. It is located at the crossroads of South Asia and Central Asia. The country has a population of approximately 40 million, ranking it 37th globally in terms of population. Afghanistan shares borders with Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, and Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. It also has a small northeastern border with China.

Independence:

Afghanistan gained its independence in 1919 after the Third Anglo-Afghan War and was freed from British control over its foreign affairs. This independence was recognized through the Treaty of Rawalpindi and was officially declared by King Amanullah Khan on August 19, 1919 (28 Asad).

Government System:

Following the 2014 elections, the National Unity Government of Afghanistan was formed, led by President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. According to the Constitution, Afghanistan’s political system is a centralized presidential republic administered by a president, two vice presidents, and a council of ministers.

Capital and population:

Kabul is the capital of Afghanistan with a population of about 4.5 million.

Provinces:

Afghanistan consists of 34 provinces.

Official Religion:

Islam is the official religion of Afghanistan, and followers of Sunni, Twelver Shia, and Ismaili sects live in the country. Additionally, Hindus and Sikhs also reside in Afghanistan.

Natural Resources:

Afghanistan has an abundance of natural resources, among them: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromate, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones like emeralds, rubies, and lapis lazuli.

Ethnic Diversity:

Afghanistan has historically been a land of diverse ethnic groups. The Constitution recognizes 14 ethnic groups, including Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Balochs, Turkmens, Nuristanis, Pamiris, Arabs, Gujars, Brahuis, Qizilbash, Aimaqs, and Pashais. Dari (Persian) and Pashto are the country’s official languages, but regional languages such as Uzbeki are also officially recognized in specific areas.

Currency:

The currency of Afghanistan is the Afghani (AFN), with an exchange rate of approximately 75 AFN to 1 US dollar.

International Dialing Code:

+93

Tourist Attractions:

Kabul Museum:
One of the old museums rich in historical artifacts and antiques,opened in 1919, housing unique artifacts.
Historical Sites in Bamiyan:
Bamiyan, with its ancient history, the giant Buddha statues, Band-e Amir, Shahr-e Zuhak, Shahr-e Gholghola, and more, is one of Afghanistan’s most remarkable sights. The two grand and unique Buddha statues, which attracted tourists worldwide for centuries, were tragically destroyed with dynamite by the Taliban in 1998 during their control over the city. Currently, only traces of these invaluable monuments remain in the heart of the Bamiyan mountains.
Herat Citadel:
This citadel, a remnant of Alexander the Great’s rule, served as a military base for an extended period.
Minaret of Jam:
This 62-meter-high tower is near the Hari rivers and dates back to the Ghurid Empire. The Minaret of Jam, considered one of the world’s most remarkable architectural structures and the oldest remaining brick minaret, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List during its 26th session on June 27, 2002, in Budapest.
Kandahar:
Kandahar, located in southwestern Afghanistan, is an essential city with a rich historical background. Known as the “Gateway to Khorasan,” Kandahar is Afghanistan’s second-largest city. It boasts numerous historical and tourist attractions, including the Cloak of the Prophet, the Chihilzina Pavilion, and the Forty Steps.
Historical Sites in Ghazni:
Ghazni, also known as Ghazna or Ghaznin, is a city in central-eastern Afghanistan and the historical center of the Zabulistan region. During the Ghaznavid Dynasty, Ghazni was the capital. It houses the tombs of notable poets and scholars, such as Abu Rayhan al-Biruni and Hakim Sanai. The ruins of the ancient Ghazni, the Ghaznavid capital, lie about five kilometers northeast of the city. Ghazni is also famous for its 12th-century star-shaped minarets adorned with Quranic inscriptions in Kufic script. In 2007, the Ministers of Culture of Islamic Countries designated Ghazni as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2013.