Afghanistan

• Population: 26,813,057 (July 2001 est.)
• Birth rate: 41.82 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)
• Death rate: 18.01 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)
• Capital: Kabul (population 1,424,000)
• Major Centres: Kandahar (225, 000), Herat (177,000), Mazar-i-Sharif (115,000)
• Highest Point: Nowshak 7,485 meters (24,557 ft.)
• Official Languages: Pashtu, Dari
• Religion: Islam 99%, Hindu, Jewish, other, 1%
• Currency: Afghani (1 Afghani (AF) = 100 puls)
• Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs)
• Main Exports: Natural Gas, Dried fruits and nuts, carpets, leather and crafts
• GDP Per Capita: $1000.00 +
• Total Area: 647,500 sq km (250,000 sq. miles)