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1. Nawroz: A Celebration of Life

In Afghanistan, the start of the New Year is celebrated on the first day of spring, 21 March, and is known as Nawroz. This traditional holiday is celebrated with feasts, music, and dancing, and is a time for families to come together and enjoy the start of the new season. It is a time of renewal and hope, and is a reminder of the beauty of the Afghan culture and its people.

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2. Kabul: The City of Dreams

Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, is the largest city in the country. It is home to an estimated 3.5 million people, making it the largest city in the country and one of the largest cities in the region. Kabul is a major cultural, political, and economic hub in the region, and is home to a variety of ethnic and religious groups. It is also a major transportation hub, with a number of international airports and highways connecting it to other parts of the country and the world. Kabul is a vibrant city, with a rich history and culture, and is a popular tourist destination.

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3. A Landlocked Country in Central Asia

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia, bordered by six countries: Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and China. With a total area of 652,230 square kilometers, Afghanistan is the 41st largest country in the world. It is a diverse country with a population of over 32 million people, representing a variety of ethnicities, languages, and religions.

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4. The Power of Poetry in Afghanistan

For centuries, poetry has been an integral part of Afghan culture. Every Thursday night in the city of Herat, people of all ages come together to share their love of poetry. They recite verses from both classic and modern works, creating a vibrant atmosphere of appreciation and admiration for the art form. This weekly gathering is a testament to the enduring power of poetry in Afghanistan, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage.

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5. Why "Afghans" is the Better Name for the People of Afghanistan

It's a common mistake to refer to the people of Afghanistan as "Afghanis" instead of "Afghans". This is because "Afghani" is actually the name of the currency used in Afghanistan, not the people. The people of Afghanistan are a diverse group, with many different ethnicities and languages, but they all share the same name: Afghans.

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6. Languages of A Tapestry of Diversity

In Afghanistan, the two official languages are Dari and Pashto, but many other languages are spoken throughout the country. These include Persian, Uzbek, Turkmen, and several others. Each language has its own unique cultural and historical significance, and together they form a rich tapestry of linguistic diversity in Afghanistan.

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7. The Land of Plenty: Afghanistan's Agriculture and the Future

Afghanistan is a country that relies heavily on agriculture for its income. The nation produces a wide variety of crops, including vegetables, fruits, rice, and nuts, which are not only enough to provide for the people of Afghanistan, but also to export to other countries. This agricultural production has been a major source of income for the country, and has helped to sustain its economy.

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8. Afghanistan's Natural Resources: A Key to Economic Development

Afghanistan is a country with a wealth of natural resources, particularly natural gas and oil. These resources have been a major source of income for the country, and have been used to fund infrastructure projects and other economic development initiatives. In addition, Afghanistan is home to a variety of minerals, including copper, iron ore, and lithium, which have the potential to further boost the country's economy.

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9. Buzkashi: The Thrilling Sport of Afghanistan

For centuries, Afghanistan has been home to the thrilling sport of Buzkashi, or goat-grabbing. In this game, two teams of riders on horseback compete to catch a goat carcass and carry it across a goal line. It's a fast-paced and exciting game that has been played for centuries, and now even has sponsors. It's a unique and exciting way to experience the culture of Afghanistan.

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10. Afghanistan's Independence: A Day to Remember

On August 19th, Afghanistan proudly celebrates its independence from Britain. Although Afghanistan was never part of the British Colony, the two countries went to war three times before Afghanistan declared its independence in 1919. This day marks a significant milestone in the nation's history, and is celebrated with great pride and joy throughout the country.

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10 fun and interesting Afghanistan facts

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Get the top facts and information about Afghanistan and many other subjects at 10-facts-about.com.

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Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

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in 2012 there were about 2000 schools in Afghanistan.

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This is a video explaning Afghanistan

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For a decade and more, one country has dominated the news
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Lyse Doucet presents Afghanistan: The Unknown Country on BBC Two on Wednesday 6 July at 2100 BST
headlines more than most - Afghanistan. Mention this country and what comes to mind? Probably Taliban and terrorism, bur k as and beards. But Afghanistan is much more. Beyond the headlines of war, there is another country where ancient traditions endure and a new country is emerging, says Lyse Doucet.
1. Afghans celebrate their new year, Nawroz, on 21 March, the first day of spring. Thousands travel to the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif to welcome in Nawroz, a pre-Islamic festival. Local strong men raise a great Janda, an Islamic banner, to herald the beginning of spring and the start of the new year. If it is lifted in one smooth motion, it is seen as a good omen for the months to come. (You have to hold on to something when you live in a country that has already survived more than 30 years of war.)

2. Afghanistan would like its national game, buzkashi, or goat-grabbing, to be an Olympic sport. Regarded as the world's wildest game, it involves riders on horseback competing to grab a goat carcass, and gallop clear of the others to drop it in a chalked circle. It has been played on Afghanistan's northern steppe for centuries. The game used to be the sport of rich rival warlords but is now also financed by Afghan mobile phone companies and private airlines. But it is still not a sport for the faint-hearted, and women should not apply.

3. Mobile phone coverage is expected to reach 90% of the country this year, even though the percentage of Afghans with access to electricity is still one of the lowest in the world. Mobile phones are transforming Afghan lives and culture. Even Taliban have fancy smartphones with e-mail and skype. They are status symbols, too - if you have cash or contacts you can get a memorable number including, for example, one that has the letters of your name. (Mine has my lucky number from when I used to play basketball.)

4. Poetry is a cherished part of Afghan culture. Afghans have told their stories in verse for more than 1,000 years. Thursday night is "poetry night" in the western city of Herat - men, women and children gather to share ancient and modern verse, listen to traditional Herati music, and enjoy sweet tea and pastries long into the night.

5. Alexander the Great was the first to build Herat's ancient citadel when he captured the city in 330BC. The only woman to capture the heart of the Macedonian empire builder was the beautiful Roxanne, from the northern Afghan province of Balkh. She bore him his only son before Alexander died at the young age of 33.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger is the poster boy for legions of young Afghan men. Photographs of a muscled Arnold in his prime hang from the walls of hundreds of body building centres across the country. Some Afghans say the action-star-turned US governor looks like an Afghan.

7. Afghan cuisine is more sophisticated than kebabs and rice. This landlocked country has been at the crossroads of major civilisations for centuries and that is reflected in what is on the menu. Sample its delicate ashak, a ravioli stuffed with leeks, and topped with minced meat and yogurt, or Mantu pasta filled with lamb and onions. And new influences are still emerging as Afghanistan opens its doors to the world. If you yearn for something lighter, former Japanese journalist-turned chef Hiromi (now known as Mursal which means Rose in Persian) fell in love with the country, married an Afghan and is training Afghans to make mouth-watering sushi.

8. Kandahar airfield in southern Afghanistan is said to be the busiest single runway airstrip in the world. No wonder it is also the place Nato has its first complete air traffic capability in a non-Nato country. Last year's arrival of more than 30,000 extra US troops, along with more civilian personnel, added to constant landings on a base also used by non-US militaries. Of course, lots of journalists and dignitaries also fly in to one of Afghanistan's most volatile cities, the most decisive battle in this war. Afghans have long said whoever controls Kandahar, controls Afghanistan.

9. The world's first oil paintings were drawn not in Renaissance Europe but in the caves of Bamiyan, in the central highlands of Afghanistan around 650BC. Bamiyan boasted a flourishing Buddhist civilisation from the 2nd Century up to the Islamic invasion of the 9th Century. This is where the world's two largest standing Buddhas once stood, until the Taliban destroyed them in 2001. A newly opened tourism company is trying to attract tourists back to beautiful Bamiyan. Last year, they had a grand total of two (along with Afghans and foreigners who live in the country). But the people of Bamiyan remain hopeful.

10. Oh, and please remember, Afghanis is the currency, not the people. They are called Afghans. And they have a country that, for all of its hardship and heartache, they are still proud to call home.

Lyse Doucet presents Afghanistan: The Unknown Country on BBC Two, Wednesday 6 July at 2100 BST

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For a decade and more, one country has dominated the news Lyse Doucet presents Afghanistan: The Unknown Country on BBC Two on Wednesday 6 July at 2100 BST headlines more than most - Afghanistan. Mention this country and what comes to mind? Probably Taliban and terrorism, bur k as and beards.

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Afghanistan President

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SAFAR: Musicians from Afghanistan and Germany play Traditional Afghan Music

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Afghanistan was well known for its cultural diversity, and equally renowned for its music. Under the Taliban regime, music was forbidden but many master musicians survived and, along with them, their knowledge.

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Afghanistan Food

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Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

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Kabul is the capitol and largest city in Afghanistan . It is along the Kabul river