Afghanistan…learn how to spell it!

Afghanistan’s Geography

• Considered part of South Asia

• Bordered by Iran and Pakistan

• Slightly smaller than Texas

Afghanistan’s Geography• Landlocked• 12% of land is arable• Very mountainous• Bordered by Hindu Kush mountain range

Afghan People

• About 28 million people• Population growth rate, 2.6% • Variety of ethnic groups: – Pashtun- 42%– Tajik- 27%– Hazara- 9%– Uzbek- 9%

Afghan People• Infant mortality rate- 152/1000• Literacy rate– 43% men– 12% women– Most Afghans only go to school until age 8!

Afghan People

• 80% Sunni Muslim, 19% Shia Muslim• Speak Pashto, Persian or Turkic languages

Afghan Government

• Islamic Republic• Mix of civil and sharia law• President Hamid Karzai• Univerasal suffrage at 18