Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South-Central Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. Its capital, Kabul, is the largest city and has historically been the center of political and cultural activity. Afghanistan has a diverse ethnic composition, with major groups including the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.

Afghanistan has a long and complex history shaped by conquests, conflicts, and its strategic geopolitical location. It was ruled by various empires, including the Maurya Empire, the Mughal Empire, and the Durrani Empire. In recent history, it faced the Soviet invasion in 1979, followed by a civil war in the 1990s, and the US-led invasion in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, which toppled the Taliban regime.

In August 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, leading to significant political and humanitarian challenges. The return of the Taliban regime brought uncertainty, especially regarding women's rights, media freedom, and overall governance. Afghanistan's economy, heavily dependent on foreign aid, has been in crisis, with many Afghans facing poverty, unemployment, and food shortages.