Afghanistan

Asia
Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran.

		33 00 N, 65 00 E
President Hamid Karzai

Capital
Kabul

Government

Islamic republic

 

Religion

Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%.

Population

29,835,392

Ethnic group

Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4%.

National Language                   

Afghan Persian

          

National Day

19 August 1919 (from UK)

Anthem

"Milli Surood"

Currency

Afghani (AFN)

Attractions

Band-e-Amir,  Kabul Museum, The Minaret of Jam ,   Panjshir Valley,   Tora Bora

Website  

Art & Cultural

The ICON

The Minaret of Jam The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in western Afghanistan. It is located in the Shahrak District, Ghor Province, by the Hari River. The 65-metre high minaret, surrounded by mountains that reach up to 2400m, was built in the 1190s, entirely of baked-bricks. It is famous for its intricate brick, stucco and glazed tile decoration, which consists of alternating bands of kufic and naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Qur'an (the surat Maryam, relating to Mary, the mother of Jesus).

Minaret of Jam