FACTS

Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran

Area (only Total) total: 647,500 sq km

Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Population: 32,738,376 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Afghan Persian or Dari (official)

Government type: Islamic republic

Capital (Name): Kabul

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+4.5 (9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs)

National holiday: Independence Day, 19 August (1919)