Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. The name Afghanistan means the ‘Land of Afghans.’ In the year 1747, Ahmad Shah Durrani established his empire here, with the capital at Kandahar. In due course of time, the capital was shifted to Kabul. In 1919, after the third Anglo-Afghan war, the country acquired full independence from United Kingdom, which exercised control over its foreign affairs. However, since late 1970s, the country is experiencing constant civil war. In 2001, US led invasion toppled the Taliban government. In 2005, Unites states and Afghanistan signed a strategic long term agreement as per which, multi-billion US dollars have been given to the country as aid to assist in the process of reconstruction. Given below are some more fun and interesting facts about Afghanistan.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Afghanistan
- The modern state of Afghanistan was founded by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747.
- The official name of Afghanistan is Islamic State of Afghanistan.
- The capital city of Afghanistan is Kabul.
- The official languages of Afghanistan are Dari (Persian) and Pashto, while the currency is Afghani.
- In Afghanistan, the meal is incomplete without ‘naan,’ which is a flat unleavened bread.
- The highest mountain range of Afghanistan is Hindu Kush, which rises above 18,000 feet.
- Afghanistan shares border with six countries, namely, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
- Buzkashi, meaning "goat grabbing" is the national sport of Afghanistan.
- Gudiparan Bazi or Kite Flying is another popular sport in Afghanistan.
- Opium is the fastest and largest growing crop in Afghanistan.
- The Minaret of Jam, in the Hari River valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
