About AF
Official Name
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (Jamhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Afghānestān in Dari Persian, Da Afġānistān Islāmī Jumhūrīyat in Pashto).
Location
Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in South Asia and Central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast.
Capital
The capital city of Afghanistan is Kabul.
Population
Afghanistan has a population of approximately 38 million people.
Languages
The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari Persian and Pashto. Numerous other languages and dialects are also spoken throughout the country.
Ethnic Diversity
Afghanistan is ethnically diverse, with the largest ethnic groups being Pashtuns and Tajiks. Other significant ethnic groups include Hazaras, Uzbeks, and Aimaks, among others.
Geography
Afghanistan is known for its rugged and mountainous terrain, including the Hindu Kush mountain range, which runs through much of the country. The landscape also includes deserts, plains, and river valleys.
Economy
Afghanistan's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in farming and livestock raising. The country also has significant natural resources, including minerals such as copper, iron ore, and lithium. However, Afghanistan faces numerous economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and reliance on foreign aid.
Currency
The currency of Afghanistan is the Afghan Afghani (AFN).
Government
Afghanistan is an Islamic republic with a presidential system of government. The President of Afghanistan is both the head of state and the head of government. The country's government is divided into executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Culture
Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage influenced by its diverse ethnic groups, history, and Islamic traditions. The country is known for its poetry, music, dance, and traditional crafts such as carpet weaving and pottery. Islam plays a central role in Afghan culture and society.
National Items of Afghanistan
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos) is the national bird of Afghanistan. Known for its strength and majestic flight, it symbolizes freedom, power, and the country's rich biodiversity.
Tulip
The tulip (Tulipa) is the national flower of Afghanistan. This vibrant flower represents beauty, resilience, and the country's natural flora.
Platanus Tree (Chinar)
The Platanus tree, commonly known as Chinar, is the national tree of Afghanistan. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of the Afghan landscape.
Kabuli Pulao
Kabuli Pulao, a traditional dish made with rice, meat, carrots, and raisins, is considered the national dish of Afghanistan. It represents the rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage of the country.
Green Tea
Green tea is a staple in Afghan culture and is widely consumed nationwide. It symbolizes hospitality, social gatherings, and the cultural importance of tea in Afghan society.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Afghanistan. Known for its elegant appearance and speed, it symbolizes the country's heritage in breeding and the unique wildlife.
Attan
Attan is a traditional Afghan dance, often performed at celebrations and cultural events. It symbolizes the cultural heritage, unity, and festive spirit of the Afghan people.
Afghan Carpet
The Afghan carpet is renowned for its intricate designs and craftsmanship. It symbolizes the rich artisanal heritage and cultural traditions of Afghanistan.
Citadel of Herat
The Citadel of Herat, also known as the Herat Citadel, is a historic fortress in Afghanistan. It symbolizes the country's rich historical heritage and architectural achievements.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are a significant fruit in Afghanistan, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and the rich agricultural heritage of the country.
The national anthem of Afghanistan is called "Millī Surūd" in Pashto and "Sarūd-e Millī" in Dari. Here are the lyrics in Pashto and their English translation:
Pashto:
ملي سرود، زما د هلمند وطن ده
منځته اوس ميږنې، زما وطن ده
ما د سولې دا وطن ده
په جنګلو کې د لمړي د خون ده
په دغلو کې د خون ده، زما وطن ده
د سولې په اوږدونکو کې
تر شين کولو کې زوي ده
په هغوې پورې کې، زما وطن ده
په خوبو کې د کښتانو کې
په زرګونو کې د غوښتونو کې
په څپړو کې، زما وطن ده
په خوبو کې د کښتانو کې
په زرګونو کې د غوښتونو کې
په څپړو کې، زما وطن ده
ملي سرود، زما د هلمند وطن ده
منځته اوس ميږنې، زما وطن ده
ملي سرود، زما د هلمند وطن ده
Dari:
پرچم، پرچم به دست غرور
پرچم به دست غرور
دی ماست دی ماست دی ماست
اوطانم، اوطانم، اوطانم
دیدا نوید افغانان
دا مجموعه شان، افغانان
دا تنم، دا جانم
دا تنم، دا جانم، افغانان
افغانستان میږنی
نوی خو دی دی میږنی
به دوکانو ځوانو
به خراجو تار
به دوکانو ځوانو
به خراجو تار
به دوکانو ځوانو
به خراجو تار
میږنی افغانستان
میږنی افغانستان
میږنی افغانستان
English Translation:
The flag is in the hand of pride
The flag is in the hand of pride
This is my land, this is my land, this is my land
My homeland, my homeland, my homeland
Be aware, oh Afghans
This is their collection, Afghans
This is their body, this is their soul
This is their body, this is their soul, Afghans
Afghanistan is our home
It's a new spring for us
To the enemies' graveyard
To the battlefield
To the enemies' graveyard
To the battlefield
To the enemies' graveyard
To the battlefield
Our home is Afghanistan
Our home is Afghanistan
Our home is Afghanistan
