20 Mind-Blowing Facts About Afghanistan That You Should Know

Afghanistan, known for its rugged terrain and rich cultural heritage, is a land of contrasts and contradictions. Despite its tumultuous history, the country is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, ancient civilizations, and vibrant traditions. From the towering Hindu Kush mountains to the bustling bazaars of Kabul, Afghanistan offers a unique window into a world that remains largely unknown to many. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about this fascinating country, there’s much to discover and explore. In this article, we’ll delve into some little-known facts about Afghanistan and reveal what makes this land so special. Get ready to be surprised and intrigued as we uncover the hidden gems of this often-misunderstood nation.

1-5 Fun Facts About Afghanistan

20 Mind-Blowing Facts About Afghanistan That You Should Know

1. Zablon Simintov, a proud Afghan Jew, is the only remaining member of the once-thriving Jewish community in Afghanistan. He has dedicated himself to preserving Kabul’s last remaining synagogue, which he lovingly cares for.

2. In 2000, the Taliban leader Mohammed Omar made a bold move by banning opium production in Afghanistan. It resulted in a drastic reduction of the world’s heroin supply by 70%.

3. After the Taliban was driven out of parts of Afghanistan, a man dug up his TV and VCR and watched Titanic with his neighbors. During the Taliban’s rule, TVs, VCRs, and radios were banned, leading many people to bury their beloved devices in their backyards.

4. King Amanullah Khan of Afghanistan, who ruled from 1919 to 1929, was ahead of his time. In a public speech, he declared that Islam did not require women to cover their bodies or wear veils. Queen Soraya took the message to heart and famously tore off her veil in front of the crowd.

5. When Canadian reporter Mellissa Fung was kidnapped by bandits in Afghanistan, the country’s intelligence agency took swift action. They identified the bandit, kidnapped his family, and demanded Fung’s release without paying any ransom.

6-10 Interesting Facts About Afghanistan

6. In Afghanistan, it is customary for older, wealthier men to hire young boys as servants and s*x slaves in exchange for their dancing for them. It’s called Bacha Bazi means “playing with guys.”

7. Between 1996 and 2001, the Taliban’s ban on music made Afghanistan the only country without a national anthem.

8. In Afghanistan, there’s only one pig, and his name is Khanzir, which means pig in Arabic! He’s a resident of the Kabul Zoo.

9. Over the centuries, Afghanistan has faced invasions from the likes of Greek, Arab, Mongol, Mughal, Persian, British, Sikh, and USSR empires. But they’ve managed to hold their ground and remain unconquered!

10. In 2001, the Taliban took things to the extreme and destroyed two of the Largest-Buddhist statues in the world, both over 100 feet tall and dating back more than 1400 years.

11-15 Awesome Facts About Afghanistan

11. Did you know that the majority of the population in Afghanistan is under the age of 25? That’s right, 70% of Afghans are young and ready to take on the world!

12. Afghanistan also has its version of “Parks and Recreation” called “The Ministry,” a hilarious show that pokes fun at their public offices.

13. And last but not least, Egypt has been operating a free field hospital in Afghanistan since 2003, treating more than 7,000 patients per month!

14. Afghanistan was once a thriving hub of Hindu and Buddhist culture until the arrival of Islam.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Rahmat Gul/AP/REX/Shutterstock

15. Buzkashi, a wild and crazy game where 20 horse-riding men battle it out over a dead goat carcass, is the national sport of Afghanistan.

16-20 Surprising Facts About Afghanistan

16. The country had its own version of Che Guevara, a military and tactical genius who defeated the Soviets, and the communist Afghan army and even pushed back the Taliban.

17. Not only does Afghanistan have a president, but they also have a CEO! How cool is that?

18. There was a region in Afghanistan called Kafiristan, which means “land of the infidels” in Persian. It was the last place to resist Islamic expansion and was home to the Kalash people.

19. Unfortunately, there are no public Christian churches in Afghanistan.

20. And did you know that the world’s oldest oil paintings are in Afghanistan? Bamyan, a central region of Afghanistan, is home to these ancient works of art, depicting mythical creatures and Buddhas in vermilion robes.

That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting Afghanistan Facts For Kids.