Top 10 Facts About Afghanistan

Top 10 Facts About Afghanistan

Known officially as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Afghanistan is a landlocked country located between Central Asia and South Asia thus referred to as the heart of Asia. The most interesting thing about Afghanistan is that its human habitation dates all the way back to the middle Paleolithic era. This means that it has a pretty rich history when all is said and done. Additionally, its strategic location along what was historically known as the silk road has led to the country being described as “the roundabout of the ancient world.” Afghanistan has also witnessed very many military campaigns and this is inclusive of those of the Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Mongols among others. The most recent one was the US-led coalition. So what are some of the facts to know about Afghanistan?

1. Some of the oldest paintings in the world are found in Afghanistan

A detail of the buddhist paintings at Bamiyan, Afghanistan. The oldest known oil paintings in the world- Author; Cea- Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that some of the oldest paintings in the world are actually found in Afghanistan? The town where you will find these paintings is known as Bamyan and scientists have found some of the paintings on the cave walls. The paintings are said to date all the way back to the 7th century AD. Oil was however added to the paintings in the 13th century.

2. Most people in Afghanistan celebrate their birthday on January 1st because of a war

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

The war in Afghanistan that was between 1980 to 1990 really messed up their records because, during this time, the government did not have any concrete systems including that of recording its citizen’s birth dates. Thus, many people in Afghanistan celebrate their birthdays on January 1st and they chose this specific date because it is easier to remember.

3. Afghanistan has had 26 different flags

Afghanistan flag- Image by jorono from Pixabay

Kind of hard to warp your head around this, right? In actuality, Afghanistan has had 26 different flags throughout the course of its history. During the 20th century, for instance, the flag was changed at the very least, 19 times. The current one is a red, green and black one with the national emblem at the centre of it. Hopefully, they do not change it again.

4. Afghanistan gained independence in 1919

Abandoned Soviet T-54/55s lined up outside Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan- Author; Gregology- Wikimedia Commons

Before gaining independence, Afghanistan had engaged in at least three wars before Britain finally decided to give them independence. The British however were not ruling the country directly rather, the foreign affairs of Afghanistan were being controlled by the United Kingdom. In 1919, the country officially gained independence and was given the go-ahead to rule itself.

5. They celebrate their new year on March 1st

Photo by weston m on Unsplash

It is kind of weird to think that New Year will be celebrated in March. I mean, it is the third month of the year and not really a new year. For Afghanistan however, New Year is celebrated on March 1st and it is known as Nawruz. Typically, this lasts for two weeks and usually, the people gather in the streets to celebrate the day. Moreover, people host parties for their families and friends as they cook traditional meals to enjoy together.

6. In Herat, they have poetry nights every Thursday

Photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash

Imagine a whole city coming together just to have poetry nights. It sounds quite cultural and interesting, right? So in Herat, an oasis city and also the third-largest city in Afghanistan, there are poetry nights every Thursday. Essentially, every Thursday is dedicated to this art and people of all age groups, without any discrimination, come together to share ancient and modern verses of Afghan poetry. They use this night to celebrate their culture and remember some of the great poets to ever have been written by their own artists. Both ancient and modern ones. Furthermore, the night also includes enjoying some local cuisines together and drinking some tea together.

7. Afghanistan ranks number 41 as the largest country worldwide

Map of Afghanistan- Author; Josef Chavanne (1846-1903)- Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that on the list of some of the largest countries worldwide, Afghanistan actually appears there? With a population of about 40 million people, Afghanistan has been ranked number 41 as the largest country worldwide. Also, because of its population, it is also considered the 37th most populous country in the world with around 10% of its entire population living in Kabul.

8. Afghanistan’s main source of income is agriculture

Afghan agricultural workers- Author; Teddy Wade, U.S. Army- Wikimedia Commons

There is this misconception (probably from movies) that Afghanistan is an arid and desert-like country and no form of agriculture can really survive there. However, for many citizens, agriculture is really their source of income because between 60-80% of their population work in this sector. Nevertheless, because of sometimes struck by heavy droughts and structural problems, it still accounts for less than a third of the country’s GDP.

9. It is a landlocked country

City of Herat in Afghanistan- Image by David Mark from Pixabay

Because of the fact that Afghanistan does not have a coastline, it is considered a landlocked country. It has six countries around its borders and this includes Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China and Tajikistan. Trade in Afghanistan happens by land for the obvious reason that trading by sea is not really an option for them.

10. The people of Afghanistan love eating Kanuli Pulao

Afghani Pulao- Image by WikimediaImages from Pixabay

Kanuli Pulao is like a staple food in Afghanistan. You will find it everywhere and if you ever get the chance to visit, you definitely should try it. This dish includes rice that is mixed up with slow-cooked meat, carrots, nuts, raisins, lentils and many other spicy ingredients. It is considered quite delicious and cultural by the locals and a dish they always recommend for foreigners. As a way of welcoming them to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is a beautiful and well-cultured country. Despite the many wars and instabilities they have had over the years, they still find a way of surviving and stabilising in the long run.