Is bounded in the north by Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tazikistan, east by China, east and south by Pakistan and west by Iran. Its total area is approximately 251773 sq. miles (652090 sq. kms.). No census has been taken in Afghanistan till date but it is estimated that the population is approximately 25 million. These are divided into several ethnic groups such as Pashtuns, Tajiks, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Nooristanis. Pushtoo and Dari are official languages.

Afghan history goes back to pre-historic times. Excavations carried out in Khandahar, Baluches and Badakshan indicate that human settlements existed as early as 20,000 years ago.

The country has 32 provinces and the northern and southern parts of the country are connected through the Salang Pass high up in the Hindukush mountain range.

Economy

The major exports of Afghanistan consist of carpets, karakul pelts, fresh and dry fruits and nuts, skins and hides, guts, oil seeds, medicinal herbs, cotton and wool. Oil and gas deposits are found in the north and these were being exported to the Soviet Union upto 1990s. The oil sector is still to be exploited. A variety of minerals are found in the country which include rich deposits of iron and copper. Uranium deposits have also been detected in Bamiyan.

Tourism

Afghanistan is a paradise for tourists. The high snow covered peaks of the Hindukush, the pine covered fields of Nooristan, the historic valley of Bamyan, the mausoleums and grand mosque of Herat, the Mausoleum of the 4th Caliph of Islam in Mazar-i-Sharif and the Jam Minaret Feroz Koh are worth seeing. There is also trout fishing in Bamiyan, Anderab and Farkhar. These are picturesque areas and can be reached by motorable roads.

Labour

The workforce was 8,851,000 in 1996. Majority of it being males. The unemployment rate is estimated to be around 8%.

Media

The Ministry of Information and Culture has been making efforts to boost radio, television and journalism. Consequently, television and radio stations are available in the provinces and are equipped with FM transmitters and Radio Afghanistan is to cover the entire country shortly.

Government finances four newspapers. At the same time encourages individual aspirants to run their private radio stations and publications.

Religion

The predominant religion is Islam. An estimated 84% of the population is sunni muslims and balance of 16% are Shias which also includes members of the Ismaili sect.

Education

There are elementary schools throughout the country, but secondary schools exist only in Kabul and the Provincial Capitals. There are five universities, one University of Islamic Studies, one State medical institute and one polytechnic.