Afghanistan has the misfortune of sitting in a strategic position at the crossroads of Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. Despite its mountainous terrain and fiercely independent inhabitants, the country has been invaded time after time throughout its history. Today, Afghanistan is once more embroiled in war, pitting NATO troops and the current government against the ousted Taliban and its allies. Afghanistan is a fascinating but violence-wracked country, where East meets West.
Capital: Kabul, population 3,475,000 (2013 estimate)
- Kandahar, population 491,500
- Herat, 436,300
- Mazar-e-Sharif, 375,000
- Kunduz, 304,600
- Jalalabad, 205,000
Afghanistan Government:
Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, headed by the President. Afghan presidents may serve a maximum of two 5-year terms. Ashraf Ghani was elected in 2014. Hamid Karzai served two terms as president before him.
The National Assembly is a bicameral legislature, with a 249-member House of the People (Wolesi Jirga), and a 102-member House of the Elders (Meshrano Jirga).
The nine justices of the Supreme Court (Stera Mahkama) are appointed to terms of 10 years by the President. These appointments are subject to approval by the Wolesi Jirga. Read More…