Afghanistan: the country
People:
There has never been a census or careful ethnic survey, but reports indicate there are 70 people groups inside Afghanistan.
In the year 2000 reports indicate there are more than 5 million refugees outside the country. About 1.4 million are in Iran. About 2.2 to 3 million are in Pakistan. The balance are scattered across the world.
| 1. Indo-Iranian 86.8%. | |
| Largest: Pashtun (Pathan) | 9.7 million |
| Tajik | 4 million |
| Hazara/Aimaq (of Turkic origin) | 1.8 million |
| Other Persian-speaking | 770,000 |
| Baluch | 260,000 |
| Nuristani peoples (11) | 250,000 |
| 2. Turkic-speaking 10.7% | |
| Uzbek | 1.8 million |
| Turkmen | 520,000 |
| 3. Other 2.5%. | |
| Brahui | 240,000 |
| Pashai | 160,000 |
The literacy rate is reported to be 10-31% but it is much lower for women. The official languages are Pashto (used by 50% of population) and Dari (Afghan Persian used by 35% of population). Two languages have the New Testament. Three others have portions of the Scripture.
Religion:
Note: Non-Muslim figures may be much lower than stated. No Christian churches are permitted. The number of Afghan Christians is estimated to be 1,000 to 3,000. Some Christian expatriate workers have been permitted to serve in relief and social uplift programs.
| Religion Type: | % of Population | Approx Number |
| Muslim | 97.89% | 22,241,015 |
| Parsee | 1.50 | 340,806 |
| Hindu | 0.35 | 79,521 |
| Traditional ethnic | 0.10 | 22,720 |
| Baha’i | 0.10 | 22,720 |
| Christian | 0.02 | 3,000 |
| Sikh | 0.02 | 4,544 |
| Non-religious | 0.01 | 2,272 |
Prayer needs:
- Pray for openness to the Gospel that will ultimately lead to a great harvest.
- Pray for peace.
- Pray for a just, fair, and honorable government to be established.
- Pray for Christian aid ministries, their work and their witness.
Geography:
Area: 652,225 square kilometers – dry and mountainous, but with fertile valleys.
Major Cities:
| Kabul | population 2,700,000 |
| Capital which has been extensively damaged by war | |
| Kandahar | population 420,000 |
| Mazar-e-Sharif | population 270,000 |
| Other urban areas | population 22% |
Economy:
The economy has been shattered by 22 years of war. The countryside was bombed and mined. Half the housing, most of the complex irrigation systems and a high proportion of the livestock were destroyed. The most lucrative agricultural crop is now opium (Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer), which has paid for weapons for the warring factions. Recovery has been slowed by the radical extremes of the Taliban government and widespread environmental and structural damage inflicted on this tragic land.