Political Overview
Afghanistan has endured decades of complex political shifts, marked by invasions, civil conflict, and attempts at nation-building. Following the withdrawal of foreign troops in 2021, the Taliban seized control, reinstating a governance structure rooted in their interpretation of Islamic law. This transition has deeply impacted international relations, human rights conditions, and internal power dynamics. Despite ongoing humanitarian challenges and limited global recognition, various Afghan communities continue striving for stability, some engaging in dialogue with regional actors to address security, economic, and social concerns.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Afghanistan’s cultural tapestry is woven from Persian, Pashtun, Tajik, Uzbek, Hazara, and many other ethnic threads, each contributing unique traditions in poetry, music, crafts, and cuisine. The ancient cities of Balkh and Herat once thrived as centers of learning on the Silk Road, fostering poets like Rumi and painters whose intricate miniatures still captivate the world. Traditional celebrations such as Nowruz, the Persian New Year blend pre-Islamic customs with Islamic practices, underscoring a resilient identity that endures despite centuries of upheaval.
Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate
Spanning approximately 652,000 square kilometers, Afghanistan’s terrain ranges from the snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush in the northeast to arid deserts like the Registan in the southwest. River valleys such as those of the Kabul and Helmand offer fertile oases amid rugged highlands. The country experiences a continental climate: bitterly cold winters in the mountains (often dropping below –20 °C) and scorching summers on the plains (exceeding 40 °C), with precipitation heavily concentrated in spring and winter at higher elevations. This dramatic geography shapes agricultural patterns, settlement distribution, and the daily lives of its people.
