• 2.1 Before 1747
• 2.2 1747-1919
  • 2.2.1 Reign of Ahmad Shah Durrani
  • 2.2.2 Reign of Timur Shah Durrani
    • 2.2.2.1 Kabul became the capital in 1776
    • 2.2.2.2 Suspicious Death of Timur Shah and two centuries of instability
  • 2.2.3 Zaman Shah Durrani Reign
• 2.3 Shah Shuja
• 2.4 Battle of Gandamak
• 2.5 1919-2001: Chronic instability
• 6.2 1978-1992: Soviet Invasion
• 7.2 1992-1996: Civil War
• 8.2 1997-2001: Taliban
• 2.9 The NATO intervention

• 6.1 Agriculture
• 6.2 The water
• 6.3 The natural resources
  • 6.3.1 Coal
  • 6.3.2 Metals
  • 6.3.3 Ornamental
  • 6.3.4 Gemstones
  • 6.3.5 Fossil fuels
• 6.4 Production of carpets
• 6.5 Narco-Economy
• 6.6 Telecommunications

The name derives from Afghanistan the other name given to Pashtuns : the Afghans. The name suffix is the origin of the word Dari stan ("country"). Afghanistan therefore means of Afghans.

In addition, it was long believed that al-Biruni , the famous mathematician , and encyclopedic philosopher Persian , was the first to be referred to the Afghans in the History of India ( 1030 ). In fact, the term "Afghan" had already been cited in 982 by Houdoud al Alam , Persian and geographer Ibn al-Athir who had mentioned the name before the first 10 years.

Many legends surround the name of this mysterious people whose past is relatively unknown. Thus Khwaja Niamat-Ullah , Indian historian and geographer at the court of Emperor Mughal Jahangir , wrote in his History of the Afghans that the Afghan people would come from an officer of King Solomon called Afghans. The descendants of this officer would have been driven out of Israel by Nebuchadnezzar and had settled in present day Afghanistan, particularly in the area of Sulaiman Mountains. This legend is not confirmed and in the Old Testament can not find anywhere the name of this famous officer of Solomon. This theory can be refuted by the origins of the Pashtun , the country's ethnic majority. Indeed, the Pashtuns are part of peoples Indo-Aryan and not Semitic.

Other explanations, all as original, have been advanced. Thus, one argues that the word "Afghan" would have Albanian origins (from the Greek al-Ab, we would have done Agvan then Avgan). The other, Vera Marigo, refers to " followers "- the successors of Alexander the Great : Epigono have evolved Aphigono (Afigani). These theories do not explain the thousand years between the end of the Greek kingdoms of the first appearance of the word "Afghan .

History

Afghanistan, considered a crossroads of Central Asia , has a turbulent history. Through the ages, the region now known as "Afghanistan", was occupied by the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great , Genghis Khan , the USSR.

Afghans waged many battles against the invaders that they were Persian, Indian, Russian or British. In particular, they suffered defeats in Afghanistan significant, particularly those of Gandamak in 1842 where ^the 44th British regiment was completely destroyed and Battle of Maiwand , where ^the 66th regiment counted only a few survivors. Afghanistan was the only Asian state with Japan to stand up to the European colonial powers. Its history and its creation as a buffer state between the possessions of England and Russia does not make sense without a geopolitical analysis of the Great Game of Power, reactivated in the early ^twenty-first century in a context of control of oil and gas routes.

Before 1747

Coveted by many both regional and global powers, Afghanistan is still on the path of India when the Persians , Greeks , Mongols , and Turks dream to take control. Conversely, Afghanistan has always been on the path of Indian emperors such as Ashoka , in their desire to expand westward.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has also been the focus of many strong powers of Greek origin in the Bactrian Empire, Buddhism under the Kushan Empire , the reign of Mughal Babur or Turkish in the reign of emperors such as Mahmud of Ghazni , or Muhammad Ghura.

Its geographical location on trade routes that the country is still in the early ^twenty-first century a major strategic issue.

This strategic location has benefited many kingdoms that have succeeded in that territory. Thus, after the collapse of the Greek kingdoms and a brief review by the Emperor Ashoka , the people Yuezhi , headed by the Chief Kujula Kadphises seized the country and is carving a huge empire which will be named the Kushan Empire. Its territory stretched from the Iran until now India , probably beyond Delhi and the Arabian Sea to the Aral Sea. For many historians, it is thanks to this Kushan Empire and more specifically to his emperor Kanishka ^I. that Buddhism may have extended up to China , in Korea and Japan through commercial channels and not by conquest military.

The role of Islam is also fundamental in the history of this country. The first Arab-Muslim armies meet aggression Sassanid of Persia and defy the powerful neighbor to the battle of al-Qadisiyya. The defeat of the Sassanid paves the way for the young Muslim army that eventually absorb the great Empire which was part of Afghanistan. The Islamization of much of the country has taken over 200 years. The legendary strength of Kabul Shahs, even Buddhists, was considerably delayed. Region Nourestn was the last region of the country to convert to Islam. Indeed, Nuristan are predominantly Muslim since the ^nineteenth century, more than 1200 years after the very first Arab conquests.

After the final installation of Islam in Afghanistan, it did more extended thanks to the Arabs but mainly thanks to the Turkish emperor as Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghura. Regarding the Islamization of India, the Afghan military leader Sher Shah Suri played a great role where he was overlord just ingenious and Sasaram. This was particularly the origin of the Grand Trunk Road route known by Europeans in the name of the Great Walk. This road connects Bengal to Delhi , extends to Pakistan and eventually to Afghanistan via the Khyber Pass. The tomb of the lord, also known as the second Taj Mahal in India , is on the list of World Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

1747-1919

Reign of Ahmad Shah Durrani

Limitations of the Afghan empire from 1747 to 1772

Afghanistan as a state begins to exist only from 1747. This date corresponds to the dislocation of the Persian Empire Afsharid after the death of the emperor Nader Shah of Persia. Very quickly, Afghanistan stands out as a first-rate military power led by General Ahmad Khan as outstanding Abdali. That military commander, became padishah Ahmad Shah Durrani, the same year after being elected by the Loya Jirga , has run numerous campaigns and expanded the empire to Afghan borders of the Persian Empire and India where it puts an end to the reign of Mughals. Afghans win great victories in India: for example, the Third Battle of Panipat which made the fame of Ahmad Shah Durrani.

For many Indians, among the few reasons that led the British to settle permanently on the Indian subcontinent are two major events. On the one hand, the Third Battle of Panipat in which military forces Sikhs and Indian who could resist the British forces were destroyed by the Afghans. Moreover, the inaction of the Afghan rulers, deaf to the countless calls for help Indian Maharajas to the British. Afghan rulers, although excellent warriors, were never good politicians, not measured the extent of penetration of the British armies. Afghans have also had to face the advancing Russian armies in the north of the country and had to cede large cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.

Ahmad Shah Durrani ruled Afghanistan until 1772 , the year he died, leaving his empire to his son Timur. It is presumed that he died of cancer of the face, but nobody really knows. The founder of Afghanistan is also the title of " Baba Melati "which in Pashto means Father of the Nation. He is alone, with Mohammed Zaher Shah , last king of Afghanistan, to hold that title.

Reign of Timur Shah Durrani

The reign of the eldest son of Ahmad Shah Durrani Timur Shah Durrani began in 1772 and lasted 21 years. At age 24, young Timur was already a director and commander confirmed. Under the reign of his father, Ahmad Shah Durrani , Timur Shah was governor of Lahore , in Multan and Herat as well as Viceroy of Punjab. Unlike his father, Timur Shah never liked the pomp and military conquests, the priority of the young king was to hold his empire in its limitations of time, which was already extremely complex.

Timur Shah ascended the throne in an atmosphere of confusion and wars of influence behind the scenes. Having left no instructions or protocol as to his estate, Ahmad Shah had made complicated succession to the throne of Afghanistan. For the leaders of the time, it was no secret to anyone that Timur Shah was preferred by his father. The young Timur Shah had shown its capacity as manager and good military leader in governing the provinces hardest (apart from Herat ). He also served as vice-regency of Punjab , a remote region of the empire, very difficult to govern because of internal dissension and incessant attacks of Sikhs. Though undeniably Timur Shah had preference and confidence of his father, the tribal leaders, including heads Ghilzai (traditional adversaries of Durrani ) do not want to see Timur Shah succeeded his father, most likely because of a hand the young Timur did not have the charisma of his father and on the other hand he was very independent, which does not suit the tribal chiefs who preferred a Padishah easily controllable.

Thus, the vizier of Ahmad Shah Durrani, Shah Wali Khan Bomeza convinced his son-and the younger brother of Timur Shah , Prince Sulayman Khan Durrani to claim the throne in 1773. So far from the capital, Timur Shah , heard the news of the coronation of his brother Sulayman Khan as Padishah of Kandahar , then the capital of the empire. This is unacceptable pushed the young emperor to march on the capital, supported by all the clans of the tribe Durrani. The city put up a strong resistance on the orders of Shah Wali Khan Bomeza to protect Sulayman Shah. But ultimately he failed in his undertaking to install in power a Padishah puppet. Trying to make amends by Timur Shah , the latter would take the lead in ordering the imperial guard to behead Shah Wali Khan Bomeza when he asked audience. This punishment had the effect of calming the attempts and coup attempts for a short time but fanned the hatred of the tribe to which belonged Ghilzai Shah Wali Khan Bomeza. The young Timur could enter the city of Kandahar and be crowned Padishah the Afghan Empire.

Kabul became the capital in 1776

During the reign of Timur Shah Durrani , Afghanistan enjoyed a relatively stable but remained plagued by internal dissent, particularly among families Pashtun , the ethnic group which came from the imperial family. Tribes Ghilzai and Durrani , two branches Pashtun , fought for the creation of the country to gain power. We find this confrontation throughout Afghan history, including contemporary. For example, the Taliban are mostly run by Ghilzai , the tribe of Mullah Mohammad Omar , while the current president, Hamid Karzai, is a representative of the tribe of Durrani , branch Mohammadza , clan Popalzai.

Timur Shah felt cramped in his capital Kandahar where he was constantly attacked by some members of his court. Tired of the actions of the court that provoked the revolt of 1774 and proclaimed Padishah a certain Abdul Khaliq Khan , Timur Shah decided to move the capital from Kandahar to Kabul in 1776. The revolt of the court held two major events: the tribal leaders intended to take the death of Ahmad Shah Durrani to expand their already considerable power feudal Timur Shah had begun to reduce his reign and because the Emperor was very young independent, refusing to follow the clan leaders. To minimize the risk of coup and his eventual murder, Timur Shah chose Kabul as the capital. First because the city was very appreciated by many kings who had established their capital before Timur Shah , as the Emperor Babur Shah , also known as the king of Kabul. In addition, the city was appreciated for its freshness, while a scorching heat prevailed in Kandahar. In addition, the city was prosperous and was the center of arts, culture and science of the empire. Its multiculturalism allowed to diminish the role of Pashtun power hungry.

span class = "mw-headline" id = "Mort_suspecte_de_Timour_Sh.C3.A2h_et_deux_si.C3.A8cles_d.27instabilit.C3.A9"> suspicious death of Timur Shah and two centuries of instability

Timur Shah was eventually assassinated, probably by poisoning 18 May 1793. Her death remains suspicious and has never been elucidated. The Emperor was very good, like all warriors, so a sudden death like hers can only be interviewed. His tomb in Kabul remained unfinished.

The Emperor Timur finally made the same mistake his father did not clearly identifying their son as successor and not implementing any protocol estate. However, he hinted that his favorite was his son Zaman Shah , who was also elevated to governor of Kabul , then the function most prestigious after the Head of State.

The sudden death of Timur Shah and the lack of clearly designated heir to the throne of Afghanistan plunged into a deep instability that lasted two centuries and that Britain will operate to the detriment of Afghans throughout the ^nineteenth century.

Reign of Zaman Shah Durrani

The sudden death of Timur Shah opens an era of war and tears for succession to the throne. While governor of Kabul , Shah Zaman , the fifth son of Timur Shah was crowned Emperor in 1793 , succeeding his father with the support of Chief Mohammadzay and Barakzay Kandahar, Sardar Mohammad Khan Painda who will become his Grand Vizier under designation of Sarfaraz Khan Wazir. But his 22 brothers claimed the throne as well, arguing that their father had no clearly designated his son and there was no law that allowed Zaman Shah to become sovereign. This was the beginning of a civil war that tore the country for several years.

The historic leaders were from the tribe of Abdali of ethnic Afghan, whose name was changed to Durrani on the accession of Ahmad Shah. They lasted until the dynasty Saddozay clan Popalzay or Dynasty Mohammadzay clan Barakzay an ethnic Pashtun. The kings frequently gave Mohammadzay Saddozay and advisers supreme, who served occasionally as regents, identified with the epithet Mohammadzay.

Shah Shuja

Shuja Shah Durrani (also known as Shah Shujah, Shoja Shah Shujah al-Mulk) (November 4, 1785 - April 5, 1842) is the fifth padishah of Afghanistan from the Durrani dynasty between July 13, 1803 and 1809 and May 8 1839 to his death in 1842.

Son of Timur Shah, he was governor of Herat and Peshawar from 1798 to 1801. He filed his half-brother Mahmud Shah of Afghanistan and led from 1803 to 1809.

He allied with the United Kingdom in 1809 to prevent any attempted invasion of India by Napoleon and Russia, but it is quickly overthrown by his predecessor.

After successive imprisonments Attock and then to Kashmir and Lahore between the years 1811-1814, he was forced to sell the diamond Koh-i Nor that he had to find freedom. His exile is shared between the then Punjab and Ludhiana.

In 1838, he allied with the United Kingdom and the Punjab to invade Afghanistan, contributing to the outbreak of the First Anglo-Afghan war. He finds his throne in 1839 with British help, thirty years after his first reign, but was assassinated in April 1842, after their departure.

Battle of Gandamak

In January 1842 a battle between the British Indian army forces of Dost Mohammad Khan , ruler of Afghanistan, led by his son, Wazir Akbar Khan.

In order to contain Russian expansionism, whose military forces were to annex the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara , the British decided to seize Afghanistan. The generals had planned to take control of the Khyber Pass and the major cities of Afghanistan such as Jalalabad , Kabul , Kandahar and Herat by sending a limited contingent of soldiers. But the English and Indian troops had to overcome resistance of Afghan troops whose value had been underestimated. The outcome of the battle, a disaster and an affront to the English armies, mark then British foreign policy in Southeast Asia.

1919-2001: Chronic instability

Since 1900 , eleven leaders were tabled:

• 1919 Habibullah Khan was assassinated on February 20 Kalagosh during a hunt, war of independence against the British Empire;
• 1929 abdication of King Amanullah Shah who went into exile in India and in Europe, fleeing a popular revolt;
• 1929 Inayatullah Shah reign three days before abdicating (14 to 17 January 1929);
• 1929 Amir Habibullah Ghazi ( Bacha Saqao e ), executed by his successor restored the dynasty Barakzay ;
• 1933 Mohammed Nadir Shah assassinated;
• 1973 Mohammed Zaher Shah, son of the previous testimony of the king, escape to Italy, coup, a change to a republic;
• 1978 Mohammed Daoud Khan assassinated after a coup;
• 1979 Nur Mohammad Taraki and Babrak Karmal exiled;
• 1979 Hafizullah Amin and Nur Mohammad Taraki, the first kills in the second;
• 1979 Hafizullah Amin killed by a fraction of the Popular Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) following a coup backed by the Soviet Union;
• 1986 Babrak Karmal replaced by end of term;
• 1992 Mohammad Najibullah
• 1996 capture of Kabul by the Taliban , and assassination of President Mohammed Najibullah by Taliban ;
• 2001 On September 9, 2001, assassination of Ahmed Shah Massoud said the "Lion of Panjshir".
• 2001 overthrow of the Islamic government of Taliban by the United States and its allies in NATO.

The last period of stability in Afghanistan took place between 1933 and 1973 , when the country was under the leadership of King Zaher Shah. Nevertheless, in 1973 , the brother-Zahir, Sardar Mohammed Daoud began a bloodless action July 17, 1973. Coup Daoud who, with the support of the military, overthrew his cousin Zahir. The latter abdicated in August and moved to Italy.

1978-1992: Soviet Invasion

The Soviet troops in Afghanistan in 1988.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan within the context of the Cold War because the United States support the Pakistan facing an India that was intended to spearhead the Non-Aligned Movement, the USSR supported the Afghanistan, which had, since 1919, land claims on the majority areas Pashtun from Pakistan, which would have allowed Afghanistan to open up by having access to the Arabian Sea.

Following a coup d'etat in 1973 by Prince Mohammed Daoud Khan , the Afghan monarchy was overthrown, and proclaimed the Republic of Afghanistan. The Afghan government moves increasingly to Moscow. To avoid loss of influence in the region, the Soviet Union decides to intervene in Afghanistan since 1978 to put a plan in his orders. The coup's Popular Democratic Party of Afghanistan , April 27, 1978, overthrew the government of Daoud. The latter was assassinated, along with many members of his family. Muhammad Taraki (1917-1979), leader of the Khalq (and predominantly Pashtun radical faction of the PDPA) becomes president of the new Democratic Republic of Afghanistan , "socialist" regime and pro-Soviet. This scheme has a special relationship with the USSR and set up a series of reforms and collectivist social (literacy, women's rights, land reform ...) that contradict the conservative Afghan customs. The emigration of the Kirghiz of Wakhan in Turkey takes place at that time.

A portion between the Afghan resistance against the central government heavily supported by the Soviet Union and foment another coup d'etat on 28 December 1979 was the beginning of the first Afghan war. Babrak Karmal becomes president. The Soviet Union supported the new regime and intervenes massively from January 1980 to regain control of rebel areas (South-Eastern countries mainly). A strong national resistance goes up against a Soviet occupation that did not expect such a reaction. Moreover, this attack raises a lot of emotion throughout the Ummah and many Islamists from various countries (Algerians, Bosnians, Filipinos, Saudis, Palestinians, Egyptians, Europeans and even some from North Africa) join the resistance (Afghan Mujahideen ). The Soviets could never defeat these fighters who use the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan to conduct a guerrilla war financed and supported militarily by the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and various Muslim organizations worldwide.

On 30 November 1986, Mohammed Najibullah becomes president of Afghanistan to replace Karmal. Government troops faced with the lesser of the USSR from year to year (due to Perestroika ) and an intensification of the fighting supported by Pakistan and its neighbor mujahideen (Islamic fighters) and by Western states including the United States , which financed and Islamist groups took up arms to fight against the ruling regime.

The Soviet Union unilaterally decides to leave the country in February 1989, leaving Najibullah control of the country. The regime fell April 29, 1992 after the capture of Kabul and the resignation of Mohammed Najibullah on April 16.

1992-1996: Civil War

Territories controlled by the warring parties in 1996.

On April 9, 1992, Ahmed Shah Massoud , the future leader of the Northern Alliance enters Kabul with thousands of men and became defense minister in May. June 28, Burhanuddin Rabbani , the moderate Islamist Jamiat-e-Islami , was appointed acting president and then elected prime minister in December. From 1992 to 1995, a government born of the Afghan resistance takes power, but there are some internal dissent. Massoud resigns from the government to allow Gulbuddin Hekmatyar , a fundamentalist belonging to the ethnic Pashtun majority in the country, to become Prime Minister. But fighting continues between the Taliban in Kabul, government forces (Massoud) and mujahideen (Hekmatyar, ...).

In 1994, the Taliban conquered gradually different provinces. From 1994 to 1996, supported by the Pakistani army, they conquered most of the countries (except Tajikistan reduced the north-east) and establish a fundamentalist dictatorship. Members of Hezb-e-Islami (Hekmatyar's party) come to the government of President Rabbani while Hekmatyar became prime minister. During the summer of 1996, Osama bin Laden , fleeing the Saudi Arabia and after spending two years in Sudan , returns to Afghanistan. It broadcasts a declaration of jihad against the Americans.

On September 27, 1996, the Taliban took Kabul, the Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that while "it is a positive step .

1997-2001: Taliban

A militant of the northern alliance in 2002.

In 1997 , the Taliban - "students" in theology - backed by foreign armed groups, taking control of the country, except for an area north-east, predominantly Tajik, under the supervision of a nebula armed groups that make up the Northern Alliance , whose commander Massoud is the central figure. The Taliban establish relative peace after years of war, through the implementation of strict Islamic law, with the aim of establishing "the most pure Islamic state in the world" based on strict application of sharia emanating from the Deobandi school.

In 2001 , the destruction of statues of Buddha pre-Islamic Bamiyan ^(VI - IV ^centuryBC.) world heritage of humanity by UNESCO , attracts the attention of the community International. Authorities in Pakistan then publicly denounce their political extremist. Close relations between Pakistani fundamentalist groups and the Taliban still persist, especially in the border region.

On 9 September 2001, Massoud was assassinated in a suicide attack disguised as a fake interview by pseudo-journalists. This event is followed a few days later the 11 September attacks in the United States, causing a reversal of American policy therefore no longer support the Taliban.

The NATO intervention

Soldiers of the coalition in 2005.

Accusing the leader of Al Qaeda , Osama bin Laden of being responsible for the September 11 attacks , with the support of the Taliban, the U.S. triggered a new war in Afghanistan. With the support of land forces of the Northern Alliance and air support from NATO forces , in a few months they overthrew the Taliban regime. Hamid Karzai became the new president of Afghanistan.

The situation in mid-2002 appears to be stabilizing, even if uncertainty remains present in regions outside the control of the new government, while areas under control of the Coalition are the target of attacks. President Hamid Karzai is thus the victim of an attempted assassination on 5 September 2002 , during a trip to the region of Kandahar.

On 11 August 2003 , the NATO takes over command of ISAF and Security Force (ISAF), which contribute 37 countries and it is working to extend the authority of central government and facilitate reconstruction. On 7 December 2004 , an international force of nearly 10,000 men were in Afghanistan, adding to the 20,000 American soldiers remain. The coalition, formed under the auspices of the UN , is trying to install structures to promote a return to democracy.

But rebel activity persisted: the 26 May 2004 , five members of NGOs are killed in an ambush in north-western Afghanistan , while opium production increased 60% during the year . Political instability caused by the Taliban in Pakistan , a pivotal country of the U.S. action (conquest of Buner, a hundred kilometers from Islamabad, the capital), calls into question the prospect of a short-term victory in Afghanistan.

Politics

Kabul in 2006.

Hamid Karzai is the president of Afghanistan since 2001.

Currently, Afghanistan is led by President Hamid Karzai, whose management of the country is increasingly challenged. He won the 2004 general elections by securing 55.4% votes. Former monarch Mohammed Zahir Shah returned to the country, although very popular, it was not reinvested in the royal power and his influence was limited only ceremonial powers, until his death in 2007.

With the Bonn Agreement , the Afghan Constitution Commission was established to consult the people and formulate a constitution. Programmed to achieve the ¹ September 2003 , the commission has asked for time to undertake further consultations. Meet a Loya Jirga (Grand Council) was held constitutional in December 2003 when a new constitution was adopted creating a presidential form of government with a legislature bicameral.

Troops and intelligence agencies of the United States and many other countries are present, some to keep the peace, others assigned to hunt Taliban and al-Qaeda. A force of peacekeeping in the UN , the International Security Assistance Force and Security Force (ISAF) in Kabul has been operational since December 2001. The NATO took control of the force August 11, 2003. Much of the country remains under the control of warlords.

The Eurocorps is the responsibility of NATO led ISAF in Kabul since 9 August 2004. Casualties among these troops are most often caused by errors of identification, car bomb attacks or road accidents compounded by the lack of seat belts.

National elections were held on 9 October 2004. Over 10 million Afghans were registered on electoral lists. More than 17 candidates opposing Karzai boycotted the election, suspecting fraud, an independent panel brought to light the fraud, but states that it did not affect the election result. Hamid Karzai won 55.4% of the vote.

Provinces

Afghanistan is divided into 34 provinces, or velayat:

1 Badakhshan 2 Badghis 3 Baghlan 4 Balkh 5 Bamiyan 6 Deykandi 7 Djzdjn 8 Farah 9 Faryab 10 Ghazni 11 Ghor 12 Helmand 13 Herat 14 Kabul 15 Kandahar 16 Kapissa 17 Khost

18 Kunar 19 Kunduz 20 Laghman 21 Logar 22 Nangarhar 23 Nimruz 24 Nourestn 25 Oruzgan 26 Paktika 27 Paktiy 28 Panjsher 29 Parwan 30 Samangan 31 Sar-e Pol 32 Takhar 33 Wardak 34 Zabul

Map of the provinces of Afghanistan

Geography

Map of cities of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is a country mountainous with lowlands in north and southwest. The highest point of the country at 7485 m above sea level, is Nowshak. Large parts of the country are dry, and fresh water is limited. Afghanistan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The country is frequently subject to earthquakes.

The major cities of Afghanistan are its capital Kabul , Herat , Jalalabad , Mazar-i-Sharif and Kandahar.

River: Hari Rud

Economy

Agriculture

Afghanistan is primarily an agricultural country. Before the Soviet invasion of 1979 which totally disintegrated the country, Afghanistan was known for its fruit production. Taking advantage of a favorable climate and sunny and humid south to the north, Afghanistan produces a wide range of fruit that goes from grapes to watermelons through cherries, apricots and melons. Alexander Burnes, a British explorer, described the fruits Afghanistan: "Kabul is particularly renowned for its fruit, which are exported in large numbers to India. Its vineyards are so abundant that the grains are given for three months of the year for livestock. There are ten kinds of different (in the early twenty-first ^century, there are 30 varieties of grapes in Afghanistan). The wine has a scent of Kabul close to that of Madeira, and there is no doubt that better quality could be produced in this country with a little care. The residents of Kabul are multiple uses of grapes, more than in other countries. They use the juice for roasting meat, and during meals, they use powdered fruits as condiments. They also dry a lot of grapes, producing a lot of syrup. Peshawar (now s in Pakistan) is famous for its pears, plums for his Ghazni, which are sold in India under the name "Bukhara plums, figs and Kandahar to Kabul for its ripe. " ^Water

The country has at its center a mountain range which rises to over 7000 meters above sea level called Hindu Kush , the Piedmont to the Himalayas. This mountain range contains trillions of cubic feet of frozen water in snow. More than half a dozen rivers have their source in these mountains. Drought problems are mainly due to the absence of efficient irrigation system.

Natural resources

In the Middle Ages, as the Arab geographers Ibn Hauqal ^(tenth century) show an extraordinary wealth of the country in these terms: "One gives Badakhshan beautiful garnets, beautiful gemstone rubies worth by their beauty and the brilliance of their colors pink surprising, Granada, or a crimson shade of wine dregs. This is also where we extract lapis lazuli, thanks to the many fields of the surrounding mountains. "

In addition, the country has innumerable other treasures of all kinds and a huge potential for exploitation on an industrial scale. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, November 21, 2007 between the Ministry of Mines and two Chinese companies China Metallurgical Group and Jiangxi Cooper Co. on the copper mines of Anak , demonstrates this potential.

Coal

Coal is mined in the early twenty-first ^century in a somewhat rudimentary by residents living near the reservoirs. The use of it is still home, mainly for heating. But it is estimated that coal mining in Afghanistan could make the country self-sufficient in energy terms. Green remains the obstacle: at a time when everyone is looking at ways to reduce the emission of CO ₂ into the atmosphere, the choice of coal as energy might be a strategic mistake in the long term development of Afghanistan.

Metals

These include: lead, zinc, alumina, molybdenum, tungsten, chromite, barite, the lithium , but also highly valued metals such as tin and tantalum , as well as the must have iron and copper. For the latter, Afghanistan has announced the signing of the surrender to mine copper Anak , whose copper content is estimated at over 57% ^Ornamental

Since ancient times, Afghanistan is the main source of lapis lazuli for the entire planet. This ornamental stone encrusted quartz was used to make jewelry that was found in the tombs of nobles as well in India , in China and even in ancient Egypt. In addition, lapis lazuli blue pigment was used for the painting of the Renaissance period in Europe. For example, include the bright blue that was used to paint the sky on the dome of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican , or the blue palace Nasrid to Granada in Muslim Spain , this blue pigment derived from lapis lazuli came on the Afghan camels back.

Gems

In regard to precious stones, except diamonds, Afghanistan has virtually all other precious stones, among which include the emerald , the ruby , the sapphire. The country has even given his name to a stone: the afghanite. The trade in emerald and lapis lazuli allowed the commander Ahmad Shah Massoud to pay the expensive war he waged against the Taliban .

Fossil fuels

The country has large deposits of natural gas , whose operation had started more than 60 years. In the 1980s, reserves were estimated by the World Bank to 140 billion cubic meters. Preliminary studies in the early twenty-first ^century indicate that these evaluations have been underestimated by at least 18 times, the actual reserves would therefore be closer to 2 520 bcm. Other experts think they are even larger since the estimates were of the northern and western gold discoveries were certain pockets in the south and east.

The reserves of oil would be 90 times larger than that believed the Soviets in the 1980s. Today, oil companies like Unocal , Texaco , BP and Total have settled in Kabul, hoping to win government tenders .

Production Carpet

Afghanistan is one of the largest producers of carpets in the world.

This industry employs over one million people, or 3% of the population ^{Narco-Economy}

Since the withdrawal of Soviet troops, the production of opium is a major source of income for Afghans. Thus, in his book Afghanistan - Opium War, opium peace, journalist and sociologist Alain Labrousse estimated one third of the country's economy is based on opium or its derivatives.

Even during the Taliban period, production has continued, with more or less laissez-faire by the Taliban authorities. The Mullah Omar has even told reporters in Germany : "In the long term, our objective is to completely cleanse Afghanistan of the drug. But you can not ask those whose livelihood depends entirely on the harvest go overnight to other cultures. He nonetheless added that "if non-Muslims wish to buy drugs and become intoxicated, it is not up to us to protect them." During the summer of 2000, the Taliban have still decided to completely stop opium production, the lowering of more than 95%. The little opium produced in Afghanistan yet was overwhelmingly on the territories controlled by the Northern Alliance, whose province of Badakhshan alone, which produced 83% of Afghan poppy between summer 2000 and late 2001 ( estimate of 185 tons of opium products, including 151 in Badakhshan ).

Since the end of the war in Afghanistan in 2001 and the establishment of a new government , the cultivation of poppy , which was already disseminated at the time of the Taliban, has now reached record levels estimated for 2006 6100 tons, which far exceeds global demand and other competing products hit the addiction. Irrigated production of vegetables or flowers may be possible but is highly vulnerable to sabotage.

The annual report of the UN Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC), published August 27, 2007, opium production in Afghanistan increased 34% between 2006 and 2007. The total amount of the poppy harvest will amount to 8,200 tons for 2007, against 6100 tons in 2006. In all, the land of Afghanistan used for poppy cultivation increased from 165,000 hectares in 2006 to 193,000 in 2007. According to investigators from the UNODC, opium poppy grows mainly where the presence of Taliban is very important in the south, or 80% in some provinces along the border with Pakistan.

Telecommunications

In 2006, one of the largest companies in the country was the mobile phone company Roshan. Worn by the prince's investments Karim Aga Khan IV , she was able to boast of being the largest private employer in the country.

Demographics

Demographic changes between 1961 and 2004 (figure in FAO , 2006). Population in thousands.

Ethno-linguistic groups in Afghanistan (CIA, 1997).

Afghanistan has never conducted a systematic census of its population, the exact figures on the size and composition of the various ethnic groups are not available. The following figures provided by governments Pashtun unreliable.

The Pashtuns are the largest group estimated at over 42% of the population. The second largest linguistic group speaks Dari including Hazaras (24%) living in central and Tajiks (25%) (or Fars). The Uzbeks are 9%. There is also a significant presence of tribes such as Aimak or Hazaras (4%) and Turkmen (3%), the Baluchis (2%), the Pashai , the Kyrgyz and Nuristan. Bilingualism is common. A small number of alien ethnic minorities of Indian origin, mostly Sikhs and Hindus , speak Punjabi.

Afghans are predominantly Muslim , with approximately 80% of Sunnis and 20% Shia. There are also minority Hindu, Sikh, up to 0.3%, which in 1970 accounted for 1% of the population. Many of them fled during the 1990s civil war to neighboring countries, Europe or America. With the fall of the Taliban, Sikhs have returned to the Ghazni province of Afghanistan.

Culture

Many of the country's historic monuments have been damaged in recent wars and other destruction as the two famous Buddha statues in Bamiyan province in 2001.

Education

In spring 2003 , an estimated 30% of 7000 schools in Afghanistan had been seriously damaged during two decades of Soviet occupation and civil war. Only half of schools reported having drinking water, while just under 40% considered to have a proper sanitary condition. Education for boys was not a priority during the regime of Taliban , while the girls were completely banned.

Afghan women wearing a veil mesh canvas obey the Islamic tradition the most severe. They must hide all their "tempting bait, they are Sunnis like Pashtuns and Tajiks and Shia as the Hazaras. Under the defunct communist regimes, some dared to show their faces.

Against poverty and violence of their environment, a 2002 study by the aid group Save the Children says that Afghan children are adapting. The study lends credence to the strong institutions of family and community.

More than four million Afghan children, probably the maximum number, found to have been enrolled for the school year that began in March 2003. Education is now available for boys and girls.

The literacy level of the population is estimated at 36% for men and 18% for women. In Afghanistan, many girls receive no education. Even those who go to school there are usually no more than four years.

Statistics

Capital: Kabul
Population: 24,913,215 inhabitants (in 2010 ). 0-14 years: 44.6% 15-64 years: 53% + 65 years: 2.4%
Area: 652,500 sq km
Density: 38 inhabitants / km
Land borders: 5,529 km ( Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Iran 936 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km, China 76 km)
Coastline: 0 km
Human Development Index ( HDI ): 0247
Elevation Extremes: of + 258 m 7 485 m
Life expectancy for men: 44 years ( 2007 )
Life expectancy for women: 46 years (in 2007 )
Growth rate pop. : 2.67% (in 2006 )
Birth rate: 46.6 (in 2005 )
Death rate: 20.34 (in 2005 )
Infant mortality rate: 160 (in 2005 )
Fertility rate: 6.7 children per woman (in 2005 )
Migration rate: 11.11 (in 2001 )
Creation of the country in October 1747
International Recognition: 1880
Independence: 19 August 1919 (this is the recovery of full sovereignty, recovering the full control of its foreign policy prerogative only managed by the British crown, we can not talk about colony)
Telephone lines: 50,000 (in 2004 )
Mobile Phones: 600 000 (in 2004 )
Radios: 167,000 (in 1999 )
Televisions: 100,000 (in 1999 )
Internet users: 25,000 (in 2005 )
Number of providers: 76 (in 2005 )
Roads: 34,800 km (including 8 200 km tarred) (in 2003 )
Railways: 24.6 km
Waterways: 1,200 km ( 2001 )
Number of airports: 46 (including 10 with paved runways) (in 2005 )

Famous Afghans

thinkers, scholars and writers

• Abu Hanifa : Jurist, Imam and a great Muslim scholar, the great scholar of Islam is the cause of the Muslim school of law said Hanafi. It is commonly accepted that the father of Abu Hanifa, Thabit bin Zuta, was a merchant from Kabul who moved to Kufa in Iraq shortly before the birth of Abu Hanifa that Muslims also know as the friendly name of Al al-Imam 'Azam (the Great Imam).
• Al-Farabi : Born in Faryab , this eminent philosopher was a Muslim commentator emeritus of the sages of ancient Greece, it has also deepened all sciences and all arts of his time and was called the "Second Teacher of intelligence". The first teacher being the Greek Aristotle.
• Jamal al-Din Afghani : writer and thinker, has lived in Egypt, Turkey and France, where he could exchange a few letters with Ernest Renan. The Iranians reject the idea that Afghanistan is but serious doubts remain about his alleged Iranian origins.
• Atiq Rahimi : filmmaker , writer and photographer Franco-Afghan, winner of Prix Goncourt 2008
• Khaled Hosseini : doctor and novelist American of Afghan origin, famous author of The Kite Runner

Heads of States, military leaders and administrators

• Barmecides - The family of Barmecides is a noble Muslim family originally from Balkh , Afghanistan. As part of the political and administrative elite of Abbasid Caliphate , the family has offered large Barmecides viziers several caliphs that marked not only the Arab-Muslim history, but perhaps in world history as Harun ar-Rashid or even the Caliph Al-Mansour. The 1001 nights evoke this family in one of his many stories.
• Sher Shah Suri - military leader and administrator, overlord of northern India, her tomb at Sasaram, India is world heritage of mankind and qualified by the second Indian Taj Mahal.
• Mirwais Khan Hotak - Ghilzai tribal chief, rebelled against the Persian power of the eighteenth ^century, took and sacked several times Isfahan , it is particularly famous in the Persian Letters by Montesquieu in the guise of a bloodthirsty leader of Afghanistan.
• Mohammad Zaher Shah Durrani Mohamadzai - last Shah of Afghanistan
• Massoud - military leader of the Tajik ethnic group, famous for his feats of arms in Afghanistan under Soviet occupation and Taliban rule. Massoud was assassinated on September 9, 2001, two days before the September 11 attacks in New York by two fake journalists.
• Commander Amin Wardak - this military leader Pashtun temperament tempered from the province of Wardak. Grand Commander of the resistance, he was among the most daring and courageous fighters in the war against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. His many feats of arms were filmed and kept at the National Audiovisual Institute and described in a book: "Commander Amin Wardak war memoirs" published by Arthaud.
• Commander Abdul Haq - the military leader that other Pashtun was famous for his warrior and negotiator, he participated in the international operation to overthrow the Taliban and was assassinated in an ambush laid by the Taliban and their allies, the ISI of Pakistan.
• Gulbuddin Hekmatyar - a military commander who fought the Soviets.
• Zalmay Khalilzad - American politician from Afghanistan, adviser to President George W. Bush , 31st ambassador to the United States with the UN.

Musicians

• Ustad Mohammad Hussain Sarahang - classical singer (Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, raag) in the 1980s he was awarded the prestigious title of e-Sartag Musiq (crown of music), India, where he was immensely famous and revered.

Codes

Afghanistan has codes for:

• AF , according to the standard ISO 3166-1 (list of country codes), code alpha-2
• AF , according to the list of country codes used by NATO , alpha-2 code,
• AFG , according to the standard ISO 3166-1 , code alpha-3 (list of country codes)
• AFG , according to the list of country codes IOC ,
• AFG , according to the list of international codes of plates
• AFG , according to the list of country codes used by NATO , code alpha-3,
• OA , according to the list of prefixes ICAO airport codes ,
• YA , according to the list of prefixes ICAO aircraft registration ,

References