The area that is present-day Afghanistan comprised several satrapies
(provinces) of the Achaemenid Empire when it was at its most extensive,
under Darius the Great (ca. 500 B.C.). Bactriana, with its capital
at Bactria (which later became Balkh), was reputedly the home
of Zoroaster, who founded the religion that bears his name.
By the fourth century B.C., Iranian control of outlying areas
and the internal cohesion of the empire had become tenuous. Although
outlying areas like Bactriana had always been restless under Achaemenid
rule, Bactrian troops nevertheless fought on the Iranian side
in the decisive Battle of Gaugamela (330 B.C.). They were defeated
by Alexander the Great.
Country
name Afghanistan conventional long form Islamic State of
Afghanistan conventional short form Afghanistan local long
form Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan local short form Afghanestan former Republic of Afghanistan
Area
- total: 647,500 sq km land: 647,500 sq km water: 0 sq km
Terrain
- mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest
Climate
- arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers
Geography
- landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide
the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in
the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor)
Waterways
- 1,200 km note: chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT (2001)
Natural hazards - damaging earthquakes
occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts
Information
Courtesy: The Library of Congress - Country Studies
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