Where in the World? You are in a country located on ancient trade routes, both north-south and east-west. This country is known for its fierce fighters, but perhaps its people had no choice. There is a long history of warfare and conquest because of its strategic location at the crossroads of ancient Asian trade routes. Over the years, the Persians, Greeks, Mongols, British, and Russians have participated at various times in invasions and strife. Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great have been among the invaders. Recently, even U.S. forces have been deployed there.

Where on Earth are you? Can you find your place? Afghanistan

Welcome to Afghanistan

Located in south central Asia, Afghanistan is landlocked, with over half of its area consisting of high plateaus and mountains. Mountains separate the rich, fertile northern provinces from the deserts and plains of the south. Afghanistan has very cold winters and hot, dry summers. If Afghanistan were not landlocked, do you think its climate would be more moderate? Yes. Proximity to an ocean or other large body of water helps make the climate less extreme. The water can have both a cooling and a warming effect.

Two of Afghanistan’s domesticated animals are favourites in the pet world. They are the Afghan hound and the Persian cat. Many people think that the Persian cat comes from Persia because of its name, but it actually originated in Afghanistan.

There have long been rumors that there are hoards of ancient gold hidden in Afghanistan. When Soviet archeologists found gold at the site of the Tillya-Tepe dig in 1978, the archeologist in charge was said to have told members of his team that he wished they were dealing with pieces of clay pots. Why? Pottery or clay tablets with writing often tell more about the past than gold. In addition, gold is stolen more often than broken pieces of pottery. Guards had to be placed around the excavation site, and every day each piece had to be counted.

Islam is the state religion in Afghanistan, and the majority of the people living in Afghanistan are Muslims. All Muslims follow the prophet Muhammad. There are two major groups of Muslims. Can you name them and the name of the holy book of the Muslims? The two major groups of Muslims are the Sunnis and the Shiites. Each group has different customs because they interpret Islamic law differently. The majority of the Afghans are Sunni. The holy book of the Muslims, where the revelations from God to Muhammad are compiled, is the Koran

Many Afghans are refugees. From 1979 to 1993, during the 10-year Soviet invasion and the civil war that followed, more than a million people died and more than 5 million fled the country and became refugees in Pakistan and Iran. In 1996, the UN said that Kabul, the capital city, contained more landmines than any other city in the world. Fighting is still going on in Kabul today. Buildings have been destroyed, and it is very dangerous. At what point should refugees go back? Should they be forced to return? What if the host country doesn’t want them? What if they will be killed if they return? There is no easy answers to these questions.

FAST FACTS – Afghanistan Capital City: Kabul, which is also the largest city. Language: The official language of Afghanistan is Dari and Pashto. They speak several other languages as well such as Persian, Uzbek and Turkmen to name a few. Government: Islamic Republic Religion: Sunni and Shiite Muslim Currency: Afghani Life Expectancy: 46 Celebrations: The New Year in Afghanistan, called Nawroz, is celebrated on 21 March which is the first day of spring. Income: Afghanistan's main source of income comes from agriculture. They produce large amounts of crops that are enough to provide for the people and export as well. They plant vegetables, fruits, rice and nuts. Afghanistan shares border with six countries, namely, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, China, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Where in the World? It’s your turn: Complete your “Where in the World?” page. 1 – fill in the country and continent. 2 – write a paragraph about Afghanistan with at least 5 interesting details (important details). 3 – colour in Afghanistan on the world map.