Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | AF, AFG, 004 |
| Official Name | Islamic Republic of Afghanistan |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | Kabul |
| Government Type | Islamic Republic |
| Currency | Afghan Afghani (AFN) |
| Calling Code | +93 |
| Member Of | United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Economic Cooperation Organization |
| Population | Approx. 40 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 652,230 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Noshaq (7,492 meters or 24,580 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Amu Darya (258 meters or 846 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approx. $500 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 65 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .af |
Afghan National Anthem
Millī Surūd
So long as there is Earth and Heaven;
So long as the world is populated;
So long as there is life in the world;
So long as a single Afghan breathes;
There will always be this Afghanistan.
Long live the Afghan nation!
Long live the Republic!
Long live our national unity!
Long live the Afghan nation and the Republic!
Long live the Afghan nation, the Republic;
And our national unity — national unity!
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Afghan Flag
The flag of Afghanistan, known for its iconic black, red, and green stripes with the national emblem in the center, embodies the nation’s history and values. This flag has seen numerous changes, more than any other national flag in the world, reflecting Afghanistan’s tumultuous past.
The earliest known flag of Afghanistan dates back to the early 18th century, during the Hotaki dynasty, and was simply a plain black flag. The introduction of the current tri-color scheme can be traced back to 1928 under King Amanullah Khan, representing the nation’s past (black), the fight for independence (red), and a prosperous future (green).
The current design was adopted on August 19, 2013. It incorporates elements from previous flags, signifying continuity and change in Afghan history. The central emblem, which has been a consistent feature in most designs since 1901, depicts a mosque with its mihrab facing Mecca, symbolizing the Islamic faith of the nation. The wreath surrounding the mosque represents the agricultural richness of Afghanistan.
Throughout its history, the Afghan flag has undergone over 20 alterations, each signifying a shift in the country’s political and social landscape. These changes reflect periods of monarchy, republicanism, foreign intervention, and internal conflict. The flag’s evolution is not just a record of changing regimes, but also a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Afghan people. The current flag is a source of national pride and represents hope for a stable, unified, and prosperous Afghanistan.