Afghanistan

• 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

• 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has gradually diversified in the late 2000’s and onwards, television returned and many of it’s restrictive laws were repealed.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 Qabli Pulao: It is the most popular dish in Afghanistan. It is steamed rice with chops of Afghanistan. It is steamed rice with chops of

raisins and carrot. It is often served with lamb. raisins and carrot. It is often served with lamb. Other variants of pulao are also available in Other variants of pulao are also available in

Afghanistan. People eat it with meat, Afghanistan. People eat it with meat, vegetables or beans. vegetables or beans.

Mantu: steamed dumplings fattened with Mantu: steamed dumplings fattened with mincedminced

onion beef.onion beef.

Kababs: Lamb kabab is a favorite of the Kababs: Lamb kabab is a favorite of the Afghans. Lamb chops, ribs, kofta (ground beef) Afghans. Lamb chops, ribs, kofta (ground beef) and chicken kababs are served in good Kabul and chicken kababs are served in good Kabul

restaurants. restaurants.

Qorma: a very popular dish among Afghan Qorma: a very popular dish among Afghan people. Onions are fried and meats, fruits, people. Onions are fried and meats, fruits, spices or vegetables are added to them.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

HolidaysHolidays

Joshen~ August 19Joshen~ August 19 Joshen is Joshen is

Afghanistan's Afghanistan's independence day.independence day.

Nowrose is Nowrose is Afghanistan’s first Afghanistan’s first day of springday of spring

Nowrose is on Nowrose is on March 21March 21stst

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