People

This village elder has witnessed decades of conflict that have destroyed his country. He is now a refugee in camp near Jalabad. Photo: Sean Sutton/Oxfam

Afghanistan is a mixed nation, made up of many different ethnic groups. The main groups are Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks. Ninety nine per cent of the population are Muslims.

Muslims are divided into two major groups, Sunni and Shia, each of which follows different traditions. The majority of Muslims in Afghanistan belong to the Sunni tradition but 20% are Shia Muslims. The Taliban, who ruled most of Afghanistan from 1996 until November 2001, are Muslims but they hold very extreme, 'fundamentalist' views. Their views are not shared by the vast majority of Muslims, and many would say they are not closely based on the Koran.

Most Afghans are rural people and depend on farming to live. Many people keep sheep and goats that provide milk as well as wool for making rugs. Animals can be sold during more difficult times to buy food and seeds to plant for the next season.

Afghanistan is now one of the poorest countries in the world. Much of the country has been devastated by the fighting of the last 20 years and now lies in ruins. Many thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes because of conflict and are now living in other areas of Afghanistan. There are also many Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Iran and other countries around the world. Some of these refugees are now returning home and trying to re-establish their lives in Afghanistan.

Children collecting water Photo: Jenny Mathews/Oxfam

More than a quarter of children in Afghanistan die before they are five years old and most adults will only live until their mid-forties. Clean water is essential for life and health but only 6% of the population has access to clean, safe water and few people have access to medical care if they are ill.

Language and literature

There are more than thirty languages spoken in Afghanistan. The official languages are Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashtu and these are used for teaching and administration. Most people are able to speak one of these languages as well as one of the local ones. Afghanistan has a long tradition of poetry and song. The people also love telling stories.

Art

The country has a rich cultural heritage. Art is expressed in architecture, in the wonderful decorative work of tiles and mosaics. It can also be seen in calligraphy and in the design and colour in carpets and rugs.

Sport

Bazkashi, is the national sport of Afghanistan. It is a team game played on horseback. Another game popular with young people in Afghanistan is 'kite fighting.' The kite strings are covered with a mixture of flour and powdered glass and participants try to cut through the strings of their opponent's kites. Many other sports are also popular in Afghanistan.