Afghanistan is home to a diverse population of over 40 million people, composed mainly of Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and other ethnic groups. Dari (a dialect of Persian) and Pashto are the official languages, though many Afghans are multilingual. The majority of Afghans are Muslim, with Islam playing a central role in daily life and traditions. Afghan culture is deeply rooted in hospitality, poetry, and music. The country’s oral traditions, such as storytelling and poetry readings, have survived for centuries.
Afghanistan is also known for its intricate carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts, reflecting regional artistry and symbolism. Afghanistan has been called the “heart of Asia” due to its strategic location on ancient trade routes like the Silk Road. It has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires — from the Achaemenid Persians and Greeks under Alexander the Great, to the Kushans, Mongols, and Mughals. In the 19th century, Afghanistan became a focal point of rivalry between the British Empire and Tsarist Russia, known as the “Great Game.”
