Afghanistan's Vast Acreage: Understanding The Country's Geographic Extent

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, with a total area of about 652,000 square kilometres (252,000 square miles). To put that into perspective, it's roughly twice the size of Norway and slightly bigger than France. The country is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, Tajikistan to the northeast, and China to the far northeast.

Afghanistan is a mountainous region, with the Hindu Kush mountain range dominating the landscape. The country's forbidding terrain has made it difficult for invading forces to conquer throughout history, earning it the nickname the graveyard of empires.

The country's population is estimated to be around 32-36 million people, with Kabul, the capital and largest city, being home to approximately 4.6 million people.

Afghanistan's land area is 652,864 square kilometres or 252,072 square miles

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a total area of 652,864 square kilometres or 252,072 square miles. The country is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, Tajikistan to the northeast, and China to the northeast and east.

Afghanistan is the world's 40th or 41st largest country, slightly bigger than France and smaller than Myanmar, and about the size of Texas in the United States. The country is predominantly mountainous with plains in the north and southwest, which are separated by the Hindu Kush mountain range. Kabul, the country's capital and largest city, is located in the Kabul Province.

The country's forbidding landscape of mountains and deserts has long been a challenge for empire builders, and its fiercely independent people have resisted many attempts at subjugation. Afghanistan's rugged terrain, which includes deep, narrow valleys and lofty mountains, has served as a natural defence system throughout its history.

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with no coastline

Being landlocked has put Afghanistan at a disadvantage in terms of trade and economic development. The country relies heavily on its neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan, for transit routes and access to seaports. Historically, Afghanistan has been a prize sought by empire builders due to its strategic location along important trade routes connecting southern and eastern Asia to Europe and the Middle East.

Afghanistan's landlocked status has had significant implications for its economy and development. The country has struggled to overcome decades of war, civil strife, and poor governance. Its economy remains largely agriculture-based, with about 40% of the workforce employed in this sector. However, Afghanistan's landlocked geography has hindered its ability to fully exploit its agricultural potential, with limited access to international markets and higher transportation costs.

The country's landlocked status has also impacted its political and diplomatic relations. Afghanistan has often found itself caught between the interests of regional powers, such as Pakistan, Iran, and India. Its dependence on transit routes through neighbouring countries has given them significant leverage in negotiations and has, at times, led to border closures and trade blockages.

Despite the challenges posed by its landlocked status, Afghanistan has made efforts to improve its connectivity and diversify its trade routes. The country has sought to develop alternative transit routes, such as the Chabahar port in Iran, to reduce its dependence on Pakistan. Additionally, Afghanistan has invested in improving its air cargo industry, establishing air freight corridors with countries like India.

The country is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China

Afghanistan is bordered by six countries: Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The country's longest border is with Pakistan, which stretches for 2,670km (1,660 miles). Afghanistan shares a 921km (572-mile) border with Iran to the west, an 804km (500-mile) border with Turkmenistan to the northwest, a 144km (89-mile) border with Uzbekistan to the north, and a 1,357km (843-mile) border with Tajikistan to the northeast. The country's shortest border is with China, which stretches for 91km (57 miles).

Afghanistan is located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia

Afghanistan is referred to as the "Heart of Asia" and has historically been an important crossroads, connecting many civilisations. It is situated at the intersection of major trade routes, which has made it a prize sought by empire builders. Afghanistan has been invaded by the likes of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and the Mughal Empire.

The country's forbidding landscape of mountains and deserts has laid many imperial ambitions to rest. The Hindu Kush mountain range, which includes Afghanistan's highest peak, Noshaq, divides the country into three distinct geographic regions: the central highlands, the northern plains, and the southwestern plateau.

Afghanistan's location at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia has made it a key player in global politics. A stable and peaceful Afghanistan could be an integral actor in trade and transit, with the potential to positively impact the Eurasian continent's regional peace and stability. However, continued unrest could have the opposite effect, disturbing the world order and the geopolitics of regional countries.

The country is predominantly mountainous with plains in the north and southwest

Afghanistan is predominantly mountainous, with plains in the north and southwest. The Hindu Kush mountain range divides the country into three distinct geographic regions: the central highlands, the northern plains, and the southwestern plateau.

The central highlands, which include the Hindu Kush range, have an area of about 160,000 square miles. This region has deep, narrow valleys and high mountains, some peaks of which rise above 21,000 feet. The Hindu Kush has historically been important to the defence of the country, with high mountain passes such as the Khyber Pass providing routes into the Indian subcontinent. The climate in this part of Afghanistan is usually dry, with temperatures in the summer averaging around 80°F, while winters are very cold. The soil in this region ranges from desert-steppe to meadow-steppe types.

The northern plains region extends eastward from the Iranian border to the foothills of the Pamirs, near the border with Tajikistan. It comprises about 40,000 square miles of plains and fertile foothills sloping gently towards the Amu Darya (the ancient Oxus River). The average elevation is about 2,000 feet. The northern plains region is intensively cultivated and densely populated, with fertile soils and rich mineral deposits, particularly natural gas.

The southwestern plateau, south of the central highlands, is a region of high plateaus and sandy deserts. The average elevation is about 3,000 feet. The southwestern plateau covers about 50,000 square miles, a quarter of which forms the sandy Rīgestān region. The smaller Mārgow Desert of salt flats and desolate steppe lies west of Rīgestān. Several large rivers cross the southwestern plateau, including the Helmand River and its major tributary, the Arghandāb.

Frequently asked questions