The document provides an overview of Afghanistan's history, geography, and demographics, highlighting its diverse population and major ethnic groups. It emphasizes Afghanistan's significance as a crossroads of culture and trade, along with its official languages and major cities. The author expresses a sense of hope for the future amidst the country's challenges.

1. Introduction to Afghanistan
By Mohammad Osman, a Fulbright Program Scholar at Portland State
University, Portland Oregon

2. Background
• Over the course of history, the country had
many names such as Aryana, Khurasan,
Bakhter and finally Afghanistan
• Afghanistan means the land of Afghans
• Its people are called “Afghans”
• Afghani is the name of its currency
• Population: 32 Millions
• Religion: 98% Muslim 2% Sikh (Hindu)

3. Geography
• Central Asia (NOT Middle East)
• Land Locked
• Mostly rugged mountains
• Has 34 provinces “States”
• Neighbors: Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, China,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

4. Afghanistan, known as the heart of Asia
connecting East, Central and Western Asia

5. Afghans: A diverse Nation
Major Ethnic
Groups
• Pashtuns
42%
• Tajiks 28%
• Hazaras 9%
• Uzbeks 9%
• Other 13%

6. Languages
Many Afghans are bilingual
Main languages spoken by Afghans are:
• Dari Persian 50%
• Pashtu 35%
• Other 15%
Dari and Pashtu are Official Languages

7. Major Cities
Kabul Herat
Mazar Kandahar

8. Dress Culture

9. Food Culture
Qabili Palaw Manto
Bolani Shorwa

10. History
• Relics show urbanization of the country since
3000 and 2000 B.C.
• Crossroads on ancient trade route (Silk road)
• Served as a gateway between Mediterranean
china, India and other Asian countries over the
course of the history

11. Afghanistan before the Soviet Invasion

12. Soviet Invasion/Civil War/Taliban

13. Afghanistan from 1970 to 2001

14. Afghanistan today

15. Natural Beauty of Afghanistan

21. We are hopeful, we go on
THANK YOU!!!