Afghanistantranslates to 'the land of Afghans'. It 's also come to be known as the 'the graveyard of Empires' because of all the foreign powers, over the centuries, who attempted to invade or occupy it, only to fall short of their military or political objectives. Every foreign army who invaded Afghanistan had to conduct full military withdrawals by the end of these conflicts. The United States being the most recent.
Afghanistan, approximately the size of Texas, is a landlocked country that shares its borders with Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and China. This has resulted in a blending of ethnicities and cultures making it a multi-ethnic and multicultural country. Collectively, the people of Afghanistan are called Afghans. This frequently gets confused with Afghanistan's currency, which is called Afghanis.
Every year pilgrims descend upon the Hazrat Ali Mazar, also know as the 'Blue Mosque' to celebrate the Iranian/Zoroastrian new year, called Nowruz. It starts on the day of the vernal equinox in March, and marks the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Located in the Balkh Province, it symbolizes the rebirth of nature, new life, and new beginnings. This is an important pilgrimage for both Shia and Sunni Muslims.
Afghanistan is a mountainous country that has been divided into three distinct provinces by the huge Hindu Kush mountain range that is an extension of the Himalayas. They consist of the northern plains, the central highlands, and the southern plateau; all of which consist of different terrains, altitudes, and climates.
Comprising about 160,000 square miles, the central highlands is the largest region in Afghanistan. Most of Afghanistan's mountain ranges run through here, including one of the most famous routes to the Indian subcontinent, the Khyber Pass.
High plateaus and sandy desserts make up the southern plateau. It covers 50,000 square miles with several large rivers crossing it, including the Helmand. It's a desolate region with infertile land, except along the rivers. With an average elevation of 3,500 feet, it has a dry mild climate.
1The internationally recognized Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was established by the constitution promulgated on January 26, 2004. On September 7, 2021, the Taliban declared the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and formed the country's de facto government.2Thirty'sfour members are appointed by the president, while the remainder are indirectly elected.3Three seats are reserved for Kuchis and Afghan Pashtun nomads.4Since September 7, 2021, following the Taliban's takeover of the country.5Six additional locally official languages per the 2004 constitution are Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi, Nuristani, Pashai, and Pamiri.