PEOPLE
Afghanistan's
ethnically and linguistically mixed population reflects its location
astride historic trade and invasion routes leading from Central
Asia into South and Southwest Asia. Pashtuns are the dominant
ethnic group, accounting for about 38-44% of the population. Tajik
(25%), Hazara (10-19%), Uzbek (6-8%), Aimaq, Turkmen, Baluch,
and other small groups also are represented. Dari (Afghan Persian)
and Pashto are official languages. Dari is spoken by more than
one-third of the population as a first language and serves as
a lingua franca for most Afghans, though Pashto is spoken throughout
the Pashtun areas of eastern and southern Afghanistan. Tajik and
Turkic languages are spoken widely in the north. Smaller groups
throughout the country also speak more than 70 other languages
and numerous dialects.
Afghanistan is an Islamic country. An estimated 80% of the population is Sunni, following the Hanafi school of jurisprudence; the remainder of the population--and primarily the Hazara ethnic group-- predominantly Shi'a. Despite attempts during the years of communist rule to secularize Afghan society, Islamic practices pervade all aspects of life. In fact, Islam served as a principal basis for expressing opposition to communism and the Soviet invasion. Islamic religious tradition and codes, together with traditional tribal and ethnic practices, have an important role in personal conduct and dispute settlement. Afghan society is largely based on kinship groups, which follow traditional customs and religious practices, though somewhat less so in urban areas.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Afghan(s).
Population: 31,056,997 (June 2006 est.). More than 3 million Afghans live outside the country, mainly in Pakistan and Iran, although over three and a half million have returned since the removal of the Taliban.
Annual population growth rate (2006 est.): 2.67%. This rate does not take into consideration the recent war and its continuing impact.
Main ethnic groups: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, Aimaq, Baluch, Nuristani, Kizilbash.
Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1%.
Main languages: Dari (Afghan Persian), Pashto.
Education: Approximately 5 million children, of whom some 40% are girls, enrolled in school during 2005. Literacy (2001 est.)--36% (male 51%, female 21%), but real figures may be lower given breakdown of education system and flight of educated Afghans.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2004 est.)--165.96 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy (2004 est.)--42.27 yrs. (male); 42.66 yrs. (female).
