Afghanistan has a population of over 35 million people and its capital and largest city is Kabul. It has an Islamic republic government and uses the Afghani as its currency. Dari and Pashto are Afghanistan's official languages. The country gained independence in 1919 and is surrounded by 6 countries. It has experienced periods of civil war and invasion but is currently led by President Hamed Karzai and working towards peace and development. Islam is the dominant religion with 98% of the population being Muslim.