Afghanistan Map

Description: This map shows provinces, province capitals, major cities and governmental boundaries of countries in Afghanistan.
Size: 1700x1320px / 578 Kb
Author: Ontheworldmap.com

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Afghanistan, located in South-Central Asia, occupies a strategically important position connecting the Middle East with Central and South Asia. The country is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to the north, and a narrow strip of land with China to the northeast. Afghanistan has an area of about 652,230 square kilometers and its topography is varied with mountains, valleys and deserts.

The capital and largest city of Afghanistan is Kabul. Located in the eastern part of the country, Kabul is the political and economic center. Other major cities include Kandahar, an important cultural and commercial center in the south; Herat, a key city in the west known for its historical sites; and Mazar-e-Sharif in the north, home to the famous Blue Mosque.

Tourism in Afghanistan remains limited due to ongoing security concerns. Nevertheless, the country offers several attractions for those interested in history and culture. The Bamiyan Valley, once home to the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan, is of significant archaeological interest. The Jam Minaret, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an example of Islamic architecture. In addition, the Wakhan Corridor offers breathtaking natural landscapes and trekking opportunities.

Afghanistan faces serious challenges, including political instability, economic hardship and humanitarian problems. Despite those challenges, the country has a rich cultural heritage and a resilient population seeking peace and development. The international community remains engaged in efforts to support Afghanistan's stability and reconstruction.

The Facts:
Capital: Kabul.
Area: 252,073 sq mi (652,867 sq km).
Population: ~ 38,500,000.
Largest cities: Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif, Kunduz, Jalalabad, Taloqan, Puli Khumri, Charikar, Lashkargah, Sheberghan, Ghazni, Khost, Sar-e Pol, Chaghcharan, Mihtarlam, Farah, Puli Alam, Maymana, Baghlan, Khan Abad, Kholm, Imam Sahib, Ghurian, Fayzabad, Andkhoy, Samangan.
Official language: Dari, Pashto.
Currency: Afghani (افغانی) (AFN).
Driving side: right.
Calling code: +93.
Internet TLD: .af.
Time zone: UTC+4:30.
Google Map of Afghanistan

Provinces of Afghanistan: Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghor, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nuristan, Paktia, Paktika, Panjshir, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Uruzgan, Maidan Wardak, Zabul.

Geography of Afghanistan

Geographically, Afghanistan consists mainly of rugged mountains, with the Hindu Kush mountain range running through the central part of the country. This mountainous terrain contributes to the country's diverse climate.

Afghanistan has a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Lowland areas such as the northern plains experience extreme temperatures, while the highlands are cooler. Precipitation varies greatly, with more snow falling in the highlands and the deserts in the south and west remaining arid.

Brief History of Afghanistan

Historically, due to its strategic location, Afghanistan has served as a crossroads for various civilizations. The region has experienced the rise and fall of numerous empires, including the Achaemenid, Mauryan, and Kushan empires. In the 7th century, Islamic conquests introduced Islam to the region, which became the dominant religion. The region experienced periods of stability and turmoil under the Ghaznavid, Gurid, and Timurid dynasties.

In the 19th century, Afghanistan became the center of the “Great Game” between the British and Russian empires. The country retained its independence but faced internal contradictions and external pressures. The 20th century saw significant upheavals, including the creation of the Kingdom of Afghanistan, the 1979 Soviet invasion, and subsequent conflicts.

The Taliban emerged in the 1990s and eventually controlled most of the country until the U.S. invasion in 2001. The next two decades were spent trying to establish a democratic government against a backdrop of ongoing conflict. In August 2021, the Taliban regained control of the country, marking a new chapter in Afghanistan's complex history.