Afghanistan
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Located in the Middle East
Capital: Kabul
Largest City: Kabul (3 million people)
National Language: Pashto
Official Religion: Islam (practiced by 99%
of the population)
Afghanistan
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Life expectancy: 44
Infant Mortality Rate: 155
Total Fertility Rate: 5.7
Natural Increase Rate: 2.1%
Net Migration Rate: 6
Urban Population: 22%
Undernourished Population: 61.3% in 2001
(no other information reported)
Afghan Media
The Afghanistan media has always been under pressure by the
Afghan government. The Afghan Media refers to the print,
broadcast, press, and online media. The media was strictly
controlled by the Taliban. The fall of the Taliban in 2001,
caused the press restrictions to relax, therefore private
media increased rapidly. This press freedom is continually
threatened by the ongoing war. Afghan Media has gradually
diversified in the late 2000’s and onwards, television
returned and many of it’s restrictive laws were repealed.
However, some restrictions remain such as defaming
individuals and producing materials contrary to the
principles of Islam is severely prohibited.
Qabli Pulao: It is the most popular dish in Afghanistan. It
is steamed rice with chops of raisins and carrot. It is
often served with lamb. Other variants of pulao are also
available in Afghanistan. People eat it with meat,
vegetables or beans.
Mantu: steamed dumplings fattened with minced
onion beef.
Kababs: Lamb kabab is a favorite of the Afghans. Lamb
chops, ribs, kofta (ground beef) and chicken kababs are
served in good Kabul restaurants.
Qorma: a very popular dish among Afghan people. Onions
are fried and meats, fruits, spices or vegetables are
added to them.
Shorma: Soups made of a variety of items are very popular in
Afghanistan. These soups are locally known as shorma.
Rice Dishes: Afghans put in plenty of time and effort to prepare
their rice dishes.
Fruits & Nuts: Fresh and dried fruits are inseparable part of
Afghan food. Afghanistan produces high quality fruits
particularly grapes, apricots, pomegranates, melons, plums and
berries. Exceptional varieties of oranges are also grown in
Afghanistan. Melons, oranges, grapes and pomegranates are
famous. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and pine nuts are also
very popular in the country.
Dairy Products: The Afghans like dairy products such as yogurt
and whey.
Drinks: The most common drink in Afghanistan is tea (chai).
Top Ten Songs in February
» 01- Beya Tu Beya Tu (super mast)
» 01 - Laila Dera Khaista Da
» 01 - Sarzameen Man
» 02 - Gham Darom Gham
» 02 - Dewaloona (pashto)
» 03 – Attan
» 04 - Ahesta Boro
» 04 - Ahesta Boro
» 04 - Ahesta Boro
» 04 - Ahesta Boro
» 10 - Sar Ta Ba Pah
» 11 - Kajak Abro
» 02 - Dar Nagerom
Afghan Pesarak
Afghans are generally very musical individuals. They enjoy singing
and playing many diverse instruments. They tend to enjoy the Atlan,
a national dance of Afghanistan. One will usually hear folk songs or
ballads. These songs have been in Afghan culture for decades and are
known by everyone. However singing and dancing was not always
permitted; The Taliban Regime use to strictly prohibit different types
of music such as playing instruments, singing and listening to
recorded music in Afghanistan whether in public or private. The fall
of the Taliban allotted Afghan’s to enjoy music and dancing.
Examples of Popular
culture in Afghanistan
• Afghanistan has its own
Idol singing show!
• The Afghan Fashion Show
of 2010 at Porchester
Hall featured designs by
Zolaykha Sherzad in a
parade of a mishmash of
hues and textures
• Zang e Khatar (Danger
Bell) is a satirical
comedy program that
discusses a lot of issues
and creates controversy
Sports
• Buzkashi is the
national sport of
Afghanistan
• Buzkashi is a form of
polo
• Hound racing is
another popular sport
Music
• Religious
• Mainly composed of
instruments
• Singing not considered
music
• Classic
• Includes singing
instruments and belly
dancing
• The rubab is considered
the national instrument
Holidays
Joshen~ August 19
 Joshen is
Afghanistan's
independence day.
 Nowrose is
Afghanistan’s first
day of spring
 Nowrose is on March
21st

Customs
• Involves Muslim religion
• Greeting: Assalaam Alaikum- means peace with
you
• Greeting answered by saying Waalaikum Assalaam
• Man Greeting-hand shake and pat on the back
• Women greeting-warm embrace and kissing thrice
on alternate cheeks
Art
• Gandhara art developed
in northeastern Pakistan
and eastern Afghanistan.
• It lasted between the 1st
and 7th century
• People in Afghanistan are
also known for making
world class oriental rugs.
Influence of Physical Environment
• Limits a lot of types of sports, culture because it so
hot and in high elevations.
• Physical Environment influences their religion, Islam
• They build elaborate mosques that take up a lot of
space and land.
• They kill a lot of animals and wildlife to survive
Folk vs. Popular Culture
• Afghani’s are experiencing democracy
• Post-Taliban rule
• Government against reality T.V.
• Reality T.V. becoming popular
– Afghan Star (like American Idol)
– Koran Star (how well one can remember passages from the
Quran)
– Soap Operas
• Young Afghani’s abandon traditional dress to see Afghan star