Afghanistan (Pashtu/Dari-Persian: افغانستان, Afğānistān) is a country at the crossroads of Asia. Usually placed in Central Asia geographically, Afghanistan is also sometimes categorized within South Asia and the Middle East, as it has either cultural, ethno-linguistic, and/or geographic links with most of its neighbors. It is bordered by Iran in the west, Pakistan in the south and east, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China to the east. It has a population of 30 million people, although this remains an estimate as ...

Including:

• Afghanistan - Origin and history of the name
• Afghanistan - History
• Afghanistan - Politics
• Afghanistan - Subdivisions
• Afghanistan - Geography
• Afghanistan - Economy
• Afghanistan - Economy References
• Afghanistan - Demographics
• Afghanistan - Constitution
• Afghanistan - Culture
• Afghanistan - Education
• Afghanistan - Additional references

Read more here: » Afghanistan: Encyclopedia - Afghanistan

See also:

History of Afghanistan, History of Afghanistan - History of Afghanistan, History of Afghanistan - Pre-Islamic period of Afghanistan before 651, History of Afghanistan - Islamic conquest of Afghanistan 642-1747, History of Afghanistan - The Durrani Empire 1747-1826, History of Afghanistan - European influence in Afghanistan 1826-1919, History of Afghanistan - Reforms of Amanullah Khan and civil war 1919-1929, History of Afghanistan - Reigns of Nadir Shah and Zahir Shah 1929-1973, History of Afghanistan - Daoud's Republic of Afghanistan 1973-1978, History of Afghanistan - Soviet intervention in Afghanistan 1978-1992, History of Afghanistan - History of Afghanistan 1992 to present

Read more here: » History of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - History of Afghanistan - History of Afghanistan

Main article: Geography of Afghanistan Afghanistan is a land-locked mountainous country, with plains in the north and southwest. The highest point, at 7485 m (24,557 ft) above sea level, is Nowshak. Large parts of the country are dry, and fresh water supplies are limited. Afghanistan has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The country is frequently subject to earthquakes. The major cities of Afghanistan are its capital Kabul, Herat, Jalalabad, Mazar-e Sharif and Kandahar. See also List of citi ...

See also:

Afghanistan, Afghanistan - Origin and history of the name, Afghanistan - History, Afghanistan - Politics, Afghanistan - Subdivisions, Afghanistan - Geography, Afghanistan - Economy, Afghanistan - Economy References, Afghanistan - Demographics, Afghanistan - Constitution, Afghanistan - Culture, Afghanistan - Education, Afghanistan - Additional references

Read more here: » Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Afghanistan - Geography

Main article: History of Afghanistan Afghanistan exists at a unique nexus-point where numerous Eurasian civilizations have interacted and often fought and was an important site of early historical activity. Through the ages, the region today known as Afghanistan has been invaded by a host of peoples, including the Aryans, Medes, Persians, Greeks, Mauryans, Kushans, Sassanians, Arabs, Turks, British, and Soviets, but rarely have these groups managed to exert complete control over the region. On other occasions, native Afghan entities have invaded surroundin ...

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Afghanistan, Afghanistan - Origin and history of the name, Afghanistan - History, Afghanistan - Politics, Afghanistan - Subdivisions, Afghanistan - Geography, Afghanistan - Economy, Afghanistan - Economy References, Afghanistan - Demographics, Afghanistan - Constitution, Afghanistan - Culture, Afghanistan - Education, Afghanistan - Additional references

Read more here: » Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Afghanistan - History

Dari is the local written name for the Persian language in Afghanistan used mainly in official papers. While the Afghans in their daily usage and spoken language call this language Persian (locally: Fârsi) they are commanded by the government to use the name "Dari' for it, while writing. "Dari" is an abbreviation of the name Court Persian (Fârsi-yi Dari). The name Court Persian was used in old times to refer to the Standard form of Persian. Breaking of that name was made by a certain Pashtu King for some political reasons. So in fact he decided to change the name of ...

Read more here: » Dari Afghanistan: Encyclopedia - Dari Afghanistan

The culture of Afghanistan has been around for millenia. Afghanistan's culture is largely influenced by Islam but has also been influenced by religions such as Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and Hinduism. Afghanistan has been a crossroads for India, Iran, and Central Asia which has influenced its culture. Culture of Afghanistan - Names. The people of Afghanistan are referred to as Afghans. However within Afghanistan, many Afghan refer to themselves based on their nationality.

The United States invasion of Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom1) occurred in October 2001, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., marking the beginning of its "War on Terrorism" campaign. Seeking to oust the Taliban and find Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden, the Afghan Northern Alliance provided the majority of forces, and the United Kingdom, Canada, A ...

Including:

• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Background
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Military operations
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Initial attack
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Taliban retreat
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Operation Anaconda
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Post-Anaconda operations
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Renewed Taliban insurgency
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Psychological Warfare
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Nature of the coalition
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Casualties of the invasion
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Diplomatic efforts
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Humanitarian efforts
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Allegations of human rights abuses
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Protests demonstrations and rallies
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Disputable information and rumors
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Slogans and terms
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - 2001 U.S. Attack on Afghanistan -- Timeline
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - Footnotes
• U.S. invasion of Afghanistan - External link

Read more here: » U.S. invasion of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia - U.S. invasion of Afghanistan

There are 24.6 kilometers of broad gauge railways. Transportation in Afghanistan - Railway links from adjacent countries. Iran - no nearest railhead at Mashhad - 1.435m gauge Pakistan - no railhead on border at Chaman - 1.676m gauge railhead on border at Khyber Pass - 1.676m gauge Turkmenistan - 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to Towraghondi; Uzbekistan - 15 km 1.524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya (2001) China - no < ...

See also:

Transportation in Afghanistan, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railway links from adjacent countries, Transportation in Afghanistan - Highways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Waterways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Pipelines, Transportation in Afghanistan - Ports and harbors, Transportation in Afghanistan - Airports, Transportation in Afghanistan - Heliports

Read more here: » Transportation in Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Transportation in Afghanistan - Railways

There are petroleum pipelines from Bagram, Afghanistan into Uzbekistan and Shindand, Afghanistan into Turkmenistan. These pipelines have been is disrepair and disuse for years. There are 180 kilometers of natural gas pipelines. There is a proposal for a natural gas pipeline across Afghanistan into Pakistan. See Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline ...

See also:

Transportation in Afghanistan, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railway links from adjacent countries, Transportation in Afghanistan - Highways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Waterways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Pipelines, Transportation in Afghanistan - Ports and harbors, Transportation in Afghanistan - Airports, Transportation in Afghanistan - Heliports

Read more here: » Transportation in Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Transportation in Afghanistan - Pipelines

(1998 est.) There are 2,793 kilometers of paved roads and 18,207 kilometers of unpaved roads, for a total road system of 21,000 kilometers. ...

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Transportation in Afghanistan, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railway links from adjacent countries, Transportation in Afghanistan - Highways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Waterways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Pipelines, Transportation in Afghanistan - Ports and harbors, Transportation in Afghanistan - Airports, Transportation in Afghanistan - Heliports

Read more here: » Transportation in Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Transportation in Afghanistan - Highways

Afghanistan has a long tradition of guerrilla and paramilitary warfare and has many individual factions. Afghanistan did not have a traditional military in the Western sense after the fall of the Communist Government. Various factions receive logistics support from foreign powers including the People's Republic of China, Russia, Pakistan and the United States. The Afghan Air Force was a significant force during the Soviet intervention, but by the time of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, the number of aircraft available was minimal. T ...

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Military of Afghanistan, Military of Afghanistan - History, Military of Afghanistan - Current

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There are 47 airports. 10 of these have paved runways. Of those, 3 have runways over 3000 meters, 4 have runways between 2500 and 3000 meters, 2 have runways between 1500 and 2500 meters, and 1 has a runway under 1000 meters. 37 have unpaved runways. Of those, 1 has a runway over 3000 meters, 7 have runways between 2500 and 3000 meters, 14 have runways between 1500 and 2500 meters, 4 have runways between 1000 and 1500 meters, and 11 have runways under 1000 meters. Transportation in Afghan ...

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Transportation in Afghanistan, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Railway links from adjacent countries, Transportation in Afghanistan - Highways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Waterways, Transportation in Afghanistan - Pipelines, Transportation in Afghanistan - Ports and harbors, Transportation in Afghanistan - Airports, Transportation in Afghanistan - Heliports

Read more here: » Transportation in Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Transportation in Afghanistan - Airports

Article 14 obliges the government to implement effective programs for "improving the economic, social and living conditions" of nomads (Kuchis) as well as adopting "necessary measures for housing and distribution of public estates to deserving citizens". The constitution requires the president to choose two special Kuchi representatives to sit in the Meshrano Jirga. The constitution al ...

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Constitution of Afghanistan, Constitution of Afghanistan - Executive Branch, Constitution of Afghanistan - Bicameral Parliament Legislative branch, Constitution of Afghanistan - Judicial Branch and Court System, Constitution of Afghanistan - Cabinet, Constitution of Afghanistan - Districts, Constitution of Afghanistan - Religion, Constitution of Afghanistan - Civil & Human Rights, Constitution of Afghanistan - Language, Constitution of Afghanistan - Kuchis, Constitution of Afghanistan - Controversy, Constitution of Afghanistan - External link

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Holidays in Afghanistan are celebrated according to the lunar calendar while other holidays secular holidays are celebrated based on the solar calendar. On holidays Afghans usually visit their family and friends where they prepare lavish meals and have special prayers with the extended family. [7] Culture of Afghanistan - National. National festivals include Norouz(Afghan New Year), Victory of Muslim Nations Annversary of Revolution, Afghan Independence Day (also known as Jeshen), and National Labour Day. Norouz is held annualy on 21 March. < ...

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Culture of Afghanistan, Culture of Afghanistan - Names, Culture of Afghanistan - Art, Culture of Afghanistan - Music, Culture of Afghanistan - Afghan Poetry, Culture of Afghanistan - Architecture, Culture of Afghanistan - Afghan Food, Culture of Afghanistan - Clothing, Culture of Afghanistan - Opium and other drugs, Culture of Afghanistan - Sports, Culture of Afghanistan - Education, Culture of Afghanistan - Higher Education, Culture of Afghanistan - Language, Culture of Afghanistan - Religion, Culture of Afghanistan - Housing, Culture of Afghanistan - Coupling Rituals, Culture of Afghanistan - Holidays, Culture of Afghanistan - National, Culture of Afghanistan - Religious

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Education in Afghanistan has recently been reviatlized after the fall of the Taliban. Primary education lasts six years. If the student does well on the entrance exam they are then admitted into Secondary education, which is divided into 7-9 and 10-12. A new structure that allows eight years of primary and four years of secondary education will probably be considered in the near future. < ...

See also:

Culture of Afghanistan, Culture of Afghanistan - Names, Culture of Afghanistan - Art, Culture of Afghanistan - Music, Culture of Afghanistan - Afghan Poetry, Culture of Afghanistan - Architecture, Culture of Afghanistan - Afghan Food, Culture of Afghanistan - Clothing, Culture of Afghanistan - Opium and other drugs, Culture of Afghanistan - Sports, Culture of Afghanistan - Education, Culture of Afghanistan - Higher Education, Culture of Afghanistan - Language, Culture of Afghanistan - Religion, Culture of Afghanistan - Housing, Culture of Afghanistan - Coupling Rituals, Culture of Afghanistan - Holidays, Culture of Afghanistan - National, Culture of Afghanistan - Religious

Read more here: » Culture of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Culture of Afghanistan - Education

The Constitution describes Islam as its sacred and state religion. A system of civil law is described, but no law may contradict the beliefs and provisions of Islam. It was widely reported that Sharia law is not specifically mentioned, but in fact Hanafi jurisprudence is one of the six branches of Sharia law. Moreover, concessions are made to Shia jurisprudence in cases arising strictly between Shi'ites. Followers of other religions are "free to exercise their faith and perform their religious rites" within the limits o ...

See also:

Constitution of Afghanistan, Constitution of Afghanistan - Executive Branch, Constitution of Afghanistan - Bicameral Parliament Legislative branch, Constitution of Afghanistan - Judicial Branch and Court System, Constitution of Afghanistan - Cabinet, Constitution of Afghanistan - Districts, Constitution of Afghanistan - Religion, Constitution of Afghanistan - Civil & Human Rights, Constitution of Afghanistan - Language, Constitution of Afghanistan - Kuchis, Constitution of Afghanistan - Controversy, Constitution of Afghanistan - External link

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List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty. King Habibullah Khan (October 3, 1901 - February 20, 1919) (assassinated) King Amanullah Shah (February 28, 1919/June 9, 1926 - January 14, 1929) (abdicated in coup d'état) King Inayatullah Shah (January 14, 1929 - January 17, 1929) List of leaders of Afghanistan - Usurping King. King Ha ...

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List of leaders of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The First Afghan State in Qandahar, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Turkmen Rule, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Last Emirs, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Kingdom of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Usurping King, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 1st Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Dictatorship, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Communist State Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Taliban State Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan Restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Transitional State of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - President, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Prime Ministers of Afghanistan

Read more here: » List of leaders of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Kingdom of Afghanistan

The Afghan economy continues to be overwhelmingly agricultural, despite the fact that only 12% of its total land area is arable and less than 6% currently is cultivated. Agricultural production is constrained by an almost total dependence on erratic winter snows and spring rains for water; irrigation is primitive. Relatively little use is made of machines, chemical fertilizer, or pesticides. Grain production is Afghanistan's traditional agricultural mainstay. Overall agricultural production dramatically declined following 3 years of d ...

See also:

Economy of Afghanistan, Economy of Afghanistan - Economic History, Economy of Afghanistan - Agriculture, Economy of Afghanistan - Economic Stats Illegal trade, Economy of Afghanistan - Trade and Industry, Economy of Afghanistan - Economic Development and Recovery, Economy of Afghanistan - National accounts, Economy of Afghanistan - Reference

Read more here: » Economy of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Economy of Afghanistan - Agriculture

List of leaders of Afghanistan - President. Hamid Karzai - (December 7, 2004-) the duly-elected president ...

See also:

List of leaders of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The First Afghan State in Qandahar, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Turkmen Rule, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Last Emirs, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Kingdom of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Usurping King, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 1st Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Dictatorship, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Communist State Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Taliban State Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan Restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Transitional State of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - President, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Prime Ministers of Afghanistan

Read more here: » List of leaders of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - List of leaders of Afghanistan - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty. Emir Ahmad Shah Durrani ('Baba') (October 1747-October 16 (23?) 1772) (died) Emir Timur Shah Abdali (October 1772-1793) Emir Zaman Mirza Shah Abdali (1793-1801) (deposed) Emir Mahmud Shah (1801-1803) (deposed) Emir Shoja Shah (1803-1809) (deposed) Emir Mahmud Shah (1809-1818) (deposed & exiled) Emir Sultan Ali Shah ( ...

See also:

List of leaders of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The First Afghan State in Qandahar, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Turkmen Rule, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Durrani Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Last Emirs, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Kingdom of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Usurping King, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Barakzai Dynasty restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 1st Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Dictatorship, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Communist State Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Taliban State Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - The 2nd Republic of Afghanistan Restored, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Transitional State of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, List of leaders of Afghanistan - President, List of leaders of Afghanistan - Prime Ministers of Afghanistan

Read more here: » List of leaders of Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - List of leaders of Afghanistan - The Emirate of Afghanistan