9 Forbidden Fun Facts About Afghanistan

Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is capturing the attention of adventurous travelers.

Afghanistan is a country where history doesn’t stay in the past. Its borders have shifted, rulers have changed, but the land and its people persist. The Taliban’s return in 2021 altered its course again, yet life continues—markets fill, verses are recited and traditions hold.

For centuries, Afghanistan was a crucial passage along the Silk Road, linking the mountains of Central and South Asia. The same landscapes that shaped its history extend into the Himalayas, where travelers today can experience the beauty of the region. The mountains remain, the deserts stretch endlessly and the cities, though transformed, still stand. Afghanistan is a place shaped by unwritten rules of hospitality and a past that refuses to be forgotten.

Read on to learn 9 fun facts about Afghanistan, the landlocked country.

1. Afghanistan renowned for stunning landscapes, from rugged mountains to dry deserts

Located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia, Afghanistan is characterized by its diverse landscape, which can be divided into three main physiographic regions:

• The Central Highlands are characterized by rugged mountains and high valleys with elevations exceeding 6,561ft (2,000m), including parts of the Hindu Kush mountain range.
• The Northern Plains are characterized by flat and hilly terrains. This agriculturally productive region supports a dense population with diverse ethnic groups, cultivating crops like wheat, cotton, fruits, and nuts.
• The Southwestern Plateau consists of desert landscapes and semi-desert areas with scattered oases. This sparsely populated region in southern Afghanistan faces extreme temperatures and has limited water resources.

A valley in the rugged Afghan mountains, with a river flowing gently through its terrain.

Beneath Afghanistan’s stunning landscape, the country is rich in natural resources like marble, coal, gold, natural gas, and petroleum. While agriculture is vital to Afghanistan’s economy, the mining sector daces challenges due to environmental issues, resource conflicts, and political instability.

2. The Hindu Kush is significant for Afghanistan’s history

The passes of Hindu Kush mountain range, which run diagonally across central Afghanistan, have played a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s history. Once used by Alexander the Great during his empire’s expansion, these mountain passes became crucial trade and travel routes, including the Silk Road.

A view of the Salang Mountains, showcasing the rugged peaks of the Hindu Kush range covered in snow.

Because of this strategic location, Afghanistan witnessed numerous invasions and period of foreign rule by empires such as the Persian, Greek, British, and Islamic, which is why Afghanistan is called the “graveyard of empires”. The nation gained independence on August 19, 1919, after the Third Anglo-Afghan War, which lasted until 1973 when it transitioned into a republic. By 1996 the Taliban regime controlled most of the country. The group was overthrown as a result of the 2001 U.S. invasion, only to return to power in 2021.

Additional fact: The United Nations still recognizes the Islamic Republic as the Afghan government, but the Taliban now controls the country.

3. Afghanistan has more than one language

Afghanistan’s population is diverse, with many ethnic groups including the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks, shaping complex social structures and regional identities. With such diversity in ethnicity, multiple languages and dialects are spoken throughout Afghanistan.

The two official languages of Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari (a dialect of Persian):

• Pashto is the native tongue of the Pashtuns, the dominant ethnic group of Afghanistan.
• Dari (Persian) is the nation’s common language and is the native tongue of several of Afghanistan’s ethnic groups.

4. “Melmastyā́” in Afghanistan means top-notch hospitality

Due to Afghanistan’s location in South-central Asia, the Afghan culture is a unique blend of Islamic and Central Asian influences, which are evident in the country’s vibrant customs. Though Afghanistan is a mostly tribal society with distinct subcultures, most people follow Islamic traditions and teachings of charity, humility, and communal solidarity. This shared cultural foundation is deeply interwoven with Central Asian influences, visible in the country’s languages, cuisine and classical music.

A traditional Afghan tea set with colorful candy, a daily ritual.

When visiting an Afghan home, you will most likely be welcomed with the highest respect and generosity. This tradition of hospitality, known as “Melmastyā́,” is so deeply ingrained that, in as early as 1815, Elphinstone remarked: “The most remarkable characteristic of the Afghans is their hospitality. The practice of this virtue is so much a point of national honor that their reproach to an inhospitable man is that he has no Pashtunwali” (Elphinstone 1969: 226).

Learn more Afghan society with this basic etiquette guide:

1. Respect for Elders: Deference to older individuals is crucial, especially in decision-making and family matters.
2. Tea Ritual: Tea is a daily ritual enjoyed multiple times, often accompanied by cherished family recipes.
3. Communal Meals: Meals are typically shared communally, featuring dishes like kebabs, kabuli palaw, marinated meats, and fruits.
4. Hand Gestures: Shake hands with the right hand as a gesture of respect. When offering or receiving items, use the right hand or both hands together, as the left hand is reserved for hygiene purposes.
5. Gender Interaction: Do not touch members of the opposite gender unless they are very close family or friends. When talking one-on-one with someone of the opposite gender, keep the door open.
6. Photography: Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photograph, especially if they are a woman.
7. Listening Etiquette: It is considered rude to walk away while someone is still speaking to you.

5. The most iconic site of Afghanistan: the Blue Mosque

The Shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif features a blue-domed mosque adorned with impressive tilework.

Curious about what to see in Afghanistan? The country has many historical sites and monuments.

One example is the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, a great example of Islamic architecture. Built in the 15th century, this mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles and intricate calligraphy, showcasing the grandeur of Timurid architectural style. Another must-see mosque is the Great Mosque of Herat (Friday Mosque), located in the western city of Herat. Dating back to the 12th century, this mosque is renowned for its intricate tilework, minarets, and domes.

In addition to its famous mosques, Afghanistan has a wide range of traditional architecture, including ancient citadels, fortresses, and historic towns. Cities like Kabul, Balkh, and Bamyan reflect a blend of Islamic geometric patterns and Central Asian structural techniques.

6. In Afghanistan, Thursday nights are all about poetry

Poetry is an important and beloved aspect of Afghan culture and Afghans have told their stories in verse for more than 1,000 years. People of all ages gather to share ancient and modern verses as part of the “poetry night,” happening on Thursday nights. While traditional poetry nights continue, modern Afghan poets also use these events to address contemporary issues, blending traditional forms with modern themes.

7. The Afghanistan flag has changed 20 times in 102 years

Since the 20th century, Afghanistan has changes its national flag more than any other country in the world. Since Afghanistan gained independence in 1919, the national flag has changed 20 times, reflecting shifts in political power and national identity.

A powerful “Stop Killing Afghan” protest in London, featuring the Afghan flag prominently displayed.

The current Afghan national flag, now a symbol of opposition to the Taliban, features black, red, and green stripes with a white national insignia, while the Taliban’s flag is white with the black Shahada (Islamic creed).

8. Many Afghans celebrate their birthdays on January 1st

For many Afghans, January 1st holds a great significance beyond the start of the new year — it’s a symbolic day of rebirth. The decade from 1980 to 1990 was shaped by the Soviet-Afghan War and civil war. During these turbulent years, extensive disruptions and displacement ravaged the country, leading to the loss of vital citizen records. As a result, many Afghans found themselves without official documentation of their birth dates. Amid this chaos, January 1st became a practical choice for many Afghans to mark their birthdays.

9. In Afghanistan, there are no Christian churches in sight

The Shah Do Shamshireh Mosque, one of Kabul’s oldest mosques, stands in the city’s center near the Kabul River.

With 99.7% of the Afghan population practicing Islam, the religion profoundly influences daily life and cultural traditions.

But what you will not find in Afghanistan are public Christian churches. The only legally recognized Christian church building is the ‘Our Lady of Divine Providence Chapel’, located in the Italian Embassy in Kabul. The Catholic chapel was authorized in 1933 serving foreign workers in the capital, but is not open to local nationals.