Diversity

The exact population of Afghanistan is unknown, but it is estimated to be in excess of 33 million people (2009). Afghanistan is a country which is comprised of many ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is Pashtuns. Other large groups are Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras. In addition to these, there are other minor ethnic groups like Nuristani, Baluchs and Turkemani. Majority of the population is Muslim (99%), but there are also small groups of Sikhs, Hindus and Jews. The official languages of the country are pashto and Dari. 

Landmines

The capital Kabul, which has been admired throughout the history by many great historical figures such as the great Central Asian conqueror Zahirudeen Babur, has for years been ravaged by war. Today, Afghanistan is in a rebuilding process, but decades of war have left the economy in turmoil and the infrastructure is almost non-existent. The country still has over 10 million landmines and unexploded explosives which still pose threat to human life.

Opium

During the 1990s, Afghanistan was the largest producer of illegal opium in the world. Today it is estimated that Afghanistan produces two third of the world's total consumption. Opium is easy to cultivate, easy to transport and provide good financial returns. Farmers are often paid in advance of the harvest. 

Government

Afghanistan is ruled by an elected government led by President Hamid Karzai, who first took hold of power on 22nd December 2001 after a meeting in Bonn in Germany, where representatives of all ethnic groups were gathered. The government had the task to control the government for 6 months until a Loya Jirga (a traditional large meeting / leaders of all the ethnic groups and tribes come together), was to appoint a broader transitional government.

A new constitution was adopted in 2004, and the first parliamentary elections after Bonn Agreement were held in autumn 2005.