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Afghanistan history, language and culture
Human civilisation in Afghanistan dates at least as far back as 4000BC. The territory has always been an important link between the Middle East and civilisations in India, Central and Eastern Asia. Control of Afghanistan has always been deemed essential to the dominant regional power of the day - much of Afghan history concerns the efforts of the fractious and rebellious indigenous tribes to assert their independence.
Hamid Karzai won Afghanistan's first direct presidential elections in October 2004 despite reports of voting irregularities. The president is serving a five-year term and is implementing Afghanistan's new constitution. The first parliamentary and local elections for more than 30 years were held in September 2005. Only about 55% of registered voters cast their ballots, more than 20% down on the previous year's presidential poll. Fighting continues in Afghanistan, with many regions still controlled by warlords and attacks by the Taleban are becoming more common-place.
Afghanistan culture
Religion:
Islamic majority with 89% Sunni Muslims, 9% Shi'ite, and Hindu and Sikh minorities.
Language in Afghanistan
The principal languages are Pashto and Dari Persian. Some English and Russian may also be spoken.
