Leslie Massey
Daily life in Afghanistan is characterised by resilience in the face of decades of conflict and upheaval. Despite the constant threat of attack, the people of Kabul, for example, continue to go about their business, with shop owners opening their doors every morning and money-changers and cart-pushers taking to the streets. However, the city's population is also marked by visible hardship, with elderly men in tattered clothes and women in dusty blue burqas begging for money.
Across Afghanistan, the impact of war and instability is evident. There is a lack of clean drinking water and adequate sanitation, contributing to a high mortality rate, especially among young children. Outside the large cities, electricity is a luxury reserved for the few. Food insecurity is also a concern, although the situation has improved with increasing stability. The staple of the Afghan diet is bread, typically eaten fresh from an earthen oven and accompanied by roast meats or meat pies, stewed vegetables, rice pilaf, and a thick noodle soup.
In recent years, the Taliban's return to power has brought further uncertainty and restrictions to daily life. Women, in particular, have seen their freedoms curtailed, with the Taliban imposing mandatory dress codes and limiting their access to education and employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | The staple of the Afghan diet is bread, most commonly flat and oblong in shape and typically eaten freshly baked. Traditional cuisine includes roast meats or meat pies, stewed vegetables, rice pilaf, and a thick noodle soup. |
| Water | The wide absence of clean drinking water and adequate sanitation has resulted in a high mortality rate, especially among young children. |
| Electricity | Outside the large cities, electricity is a privilege. |
| Entertainment | The Taliban's ban on most forms of entertainment has been lifted, and Afghans are enjoying activities such as kite flying and football. |
| Education | Schools have been reopened, including those for girls. |
| Employment | Women are once again entering the workforce. |
| Clothing | Urban women continue to wear the chador, the full-body covering mandated by the Taliban. Some men have shaved or trimmed their beards, but most continue to dress traditionally. |
| Economy | Kabul nurtures a micro-economy of independent business people, buying, selling, and trading wares. |
| Security | Security is a constant presence in the city, reminding residents of the ever-present threat of attack. |
| Healthcare | Due to decades of war, it is estimated that roughly half of Afghanistan's population suffers from mental health issues requiring medical attention. |
What You'll Learn
Food and diet
Afghanistan's cuisine is influenced by its proximity and cultural ties to Persia, Central Asia, and India. The country's diet is halal and primarily consists of mutton, beef, poultry, fish, rice, and Afghan bread. Dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and whey, as well as fresh and dried fruits such as apples, apricots, grapes, bananas, oranges, plums, pomegranates, sweet melons, and raisins, accompany these staples. Rice-based dishes are central to the Afghan diet, with various forms of naan, or flatbread, consumed at most meals. Tea is also an important part of Afghan culture and hospitality, typically consumed in large quantities daily.
The national dish of Afghanistan is Kabuli Palaw, a rice dish cooked with raisins, carrots, nuts, and lamb or beef. The rice is sometimes coloured with caramelised sugar, and there are many varieties of palaw, including:
- Yakhni palaw – meat and stock are added to give the rice a brown colour
- Zamarod palaw – spinach is mixed in before baking
- Bore palaw – landi is added, giving the rice a yellow colour
- Narenj palaw – a sweet dish made with saffron, orange peel, pistachios, almonds, and chicken
Other popular dishes include:
- Mantu – steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions, topped with a tomato or yoghurt sauce
- Ashak – dumplings filled with leeks and topped with a garlic yoghurt or garlic-mint sauce
- Kaddo Bourani – a sweet pumpkin curry
- Sabse Borani – a spinach and yoghurt-filled flatbread
- Lamb kebab – usually served with chalow rice
- Potato salad and beef kebabs
- Lamb and spinach stew
Fruit is commonly eaten in Afghanistan, especially pomegranates, sweet melons, apricots, plums, berries, and grapes. Afghans also enjoy sweet pastries, such as Kulche-ab-e-dandaan, and cookies, often served with tea. Sheer Yakh, a traditional Afghan ice cream, is also a favourite among children and adults alike.
Breakfast typically includes eggs, fried with vegetables, paneer cheese, and Sambosa, a savoury meat-filled pastry. It is accompanied by sweet chai tea or a yoghurt drink called lassi.
Food insecurity is a significant issue in Afghanistan, with approximately 8.2 million people requiring emergency food and agricultural assistance. More than half of the country's population lives below the poverty line, and 11 million Afghans are acutely and severely food insecure.
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Women's freedoms
Restricted Movement
Women in Afghanistan are not allowed to move around in public spaces unless they are accompanied by a male relative, known as a mahram. They are only permitted to leave their homes for urgent matters and must wear full veils when they do so. Women who do not follow this dress code put their male relatives at risk of imprisonment.
Lack of Protection from Violence
There are very few support systems in place for survivors of sexualised violence. Safe houses have had to close, and staff members of organisations offering protection and advice are subject to threats and often have to work undercover.
Forced and Child Marriage
Even before the Taliban victory, one in three girls were forced into marriage before turning 18. This number has continued to increase as of 2023. The humanitarian crisis in the country is severely impacting women, with parents marrying off their young daughters in return for a dowry to avoid starvation.
Lack of Education
One of the first political acts of the Taliban was to forbid girls from attending secondary schools, and since December 2022, women have been banned from tertiary education. There are some courses that continue via online teaching, but female students are not permitted to take examinations. Without education, girls are at a higher risk of exploitation and early marriage.
Limited Job Opportunities
Professional opportunities for women have been severely restricted since the Taliban took power. Many women have lost their jobs, and others are only allowed to continue working from home. Women who still have jobs must be accompanied by a male relative on their way to work. This loss of employment has pushed many families deeper into poverty, with increasing numbers of Afghans begging on the streets to survive.
Restricted Access to Healthcare
Women are not permitted to be treated by male doctors or work together with male colleagues.
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Economy and employment
Afghanistan's economy is the 155th largest in the world in terms of nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and 137th largest in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). The country's GDP stands at $6.81 billion as of 2024, with a GDP per capita of $200. The economy is largely driven by agriculture, mineral and textile exports, and foreign aid.
The country's economy has been heavily impacted by decades of war and political instability, which have deterred business investors. Afghanistan's GDP is projected to fall to $5.79 billion in the financial year 2025, with a GDP per capita of $142. The country's unemployment rate is over 23%, and about half of its population lives below the poverty line.
The recent return of the Taliban to power in 2021 has further exacerbated economic challenges. The Biden administration froze about $9 billion in assets belonging to the central bank, and international development aid to Afghanistan was temporarily suspended. As a result, the country's GDP is estimated to have dropped by 20% following the Taliban's return to power.
However, there are some positive signs for the economy. In recent years, there has been an influx of expats, the establishment of more trade routes with neighbouring and regional countries, and expansion in the agriculture, energy, and mining sectors. The country has also seen an increase in foreign investment and the development of new trade routes, which have contributed to economic growth.
Agriculture remains Afghanistan's most important source of employment, with 60-80% of the population working in this sector. However, it accounts for less than a third of GDP due to insufficient irrigation, drought, lack of market access, and other structural issues. Wheat and cereal production is the country's traditional agricultural mainstay, and Afghanistan is nearing self-sufficiency in grain production.
The country also has a wealth of natural resources, including extensive deposits of natural gas, oil, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, and lithium. It is estimated that Afghanistan has at least $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits.
Despite these positive developments, Afghanistan continues to face significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity. The country's long-term growth prospects depend on reducing reliance on international aid and consumption-driven growth, and promoting a more resilient, private sector-led economy that capitalises on its inherent strengths, particularly in the agricultural and extractive sectors.
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Security and law enforcement
Security Challenges
Afghanistan has faced decades of war and conflict, which have severely impacted its security sector. The country became a haven for international terrorists, including al-Qaeda, before the US-led invasion in 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Despite the toppling of the Taliban regime and continued international presence, security threats persist. These include terrorist groups such as the Taliban, ethnic and regional militias commanded by warlords, and a thriving illegal drug trade. The constant threat of attack means that security is a constant presence in daily life, especially in the capital, Kabul.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Afghanistan is a complex and challenging task due to the country's history and cultural context. The Afghan National Police (ANP) is the primary law enforcement agency, responsible for civilian law enforcement across the country. The ANP includes the Afghan Border Police, which secures the nation's borders and international airports. The ANP has a long history, dating back to the 18th century, and underwent significant changes during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s.
International efforts to reform and strengthen the ANP have been ongoing. During the early 2000s, the United States, Germany, and other nations provided training and equipment to the ANP. The US Department of Defense played a significant role in supervising police development, including recruiting, training, and operations. NATO states, initially led by Germany, were also involved in setting up and training law enforcement agencies.
However, challenges remain. The ANP has faced issues such as illiteracy among recruits, equipment shortages, and infrastructure problems. There have also been reports of corruption, drug use, and human rights violations within the ANP. Efforts to address these issues include rank and salary reforms, as well as increased international support for specialised units like the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) and the Afghan Border Police (ABP).
Future Prospects
The future of security and law enforcement in Afghanistan remains uncertain. With the Taliban's return to power, there are concerns about a rollback of progress made in recent years. The Taliban has reorganised the ANP and integrated its militants, including members of its secret police, into the force. While the Taliban has pledged to recognise women's rights and ensure their safety, there are reports of women's freedoms being curtailed and a return to stricter Islamic codes.
The international community faces a difficult task in supporting the development of effective security and law enforcement institutions in Afghanistan while navigating the country's complex political and cultural landscape.
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Entertainment and leisure
One popular form of entertainment in Afghanistan is outdoor theatre. Afghans enjoy watching plays and performances at outdoor venues, as seen in a photo from Kabul. This indicates a revival of cultural activities in the country.
Sports and recreational activities are also important for Afghans. Kite flying and football are two popular pastimes that people of all ages can enjoy. With the lifting of restrictions, Afghans can freely participate in these activities without fear of repercussions.
Music and dancing are other forms of entertainment in Afghanistan. Traditional Afghan music and dancing are often showcased during cultural events and celebrations. Local musicians and dancers perform at weddings, festivals, and community gatherings, adding colour and joy to Afghan life.
The availability of media and digital entertainment has also impacted leisure activities in Afghanistan. YouTube channels based in Afghanistan offer a range of content, including entertainment shows, comedies, serials, and documentaries. These channels provide a platform for Afghans to connect with their culture, nature, street food, and rural life. Additionally, television networks like TOLOnews and Ariana Television Network (ATN) offer a mix of news, current affairs, and entertainment programming that rekindles Afghan traditions and culture.
Despite these improvements, it is important to note that Afghanistan continues to face economic and political challenges, which can impact the availability and accessibility of entertainment and leisure activities for its citizens.
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Frequently asked questions
The economy in Afghanistan is largely based on a micro-economy of independent businessmen and women, buying, selling and trading wares. However, banks are closed, unemployment is high, and inflation is impacting people's lives.
Security is a constant presence in Afghanistan, as a reminder of the ever-present threat of attack. There is an absence of law or security officials, and the Taliban continues to search homes door-to-door.
Due to decades of war, it is estimated that around half of Afghanistan's population suffers from mental health issues requiring medical attention. The wide absence of clean drinking water and adequate sanitation has also contributed to a high mortality rate, especially among young children.
Schools have been reopened, including those for girls, but there are concerns that under the Taliban, women will once again be largely confined to their homes and see their access to education restricted.
