Bbc news country profile afghanistan

Here is a country profile of Afghanistan from the BBC News:

Country Profile: Afghanistan

Location: South-central Asia, bordering Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the far northeast.

Capital: Kabul

Population: Approximately 38 million people

Language: Pashto and Dari (official languages), Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, and other languages

Religion: 99% Muslim (mostly Sunni), 1% other religions

Government: Islamic Republic

Currency: Afghan afghani (AFN)

Economy: Afghanistan has one of the poorest economies in the world, with a GDP per capita of around $600. The country is heavily dependent on foreign aid, which accounts for around 90% of its budget. The economy is largely based on agriculture, with crops such as wheat, maize, and opium poppy being major exports.

History: Afghanistan has a long and complex history, with various empires and dynasties having ruled the region over the centuries. The country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1919 and has since been plagued by conflict, including a long and bloody civil war in the 1990s and the ongoing conflict with the Taliban.

Conflict: Afghanistan has been at the center of a long and bloody conflict since the Soviet invasion in 1979. The conflict escalated in the 1990s with the rise of the Taliban, who were ousted from power in 2001 by a US-led coalition. Since then, the country has been plagued by insurgency and terrorism, with the Taliban and other militant groups continuing to wage war against the government and its international backers.

International Relations: Afghanistan is a member of the United Nations and has diplomatic relations with many countries around the world. The country is also a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Human Rights: Afghanistan has a poor human rights record, with widespread reports of human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and violence against women and minorities.

Infrastructure: Afghanistan's infrastructure is largely underdeveloped, with limited access to electricity, water, and sanitation. The country's roads and transportation networks are also in poor condition, making it difficult to move goods and people around the country.

Culture: Afghan culture is rich and diverse, with a strong tradition of music, dance, and art. The country is also home to many ancient historical sites, including the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Challenges: Afghanistan faces many challenges, including poverty, corruption, and insecurity. The country is also vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods.

Key Facts: