Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan
Estimated population 33million
Population density (people per square mile) 119
Population doubling time 27 years
GDP per capita US$ 660
Benchmark approximations
Population doubling time in years:
USA 79. Canada 81. Germany declining. UK 248. Russia declining. China 110. Philippines 41.
Population density (people per square mile)
USA 85. Canada 9. Germany 593. UK 660. Russia 21. China 368. Philippines 795.
GDP per capita in US$:
USA 53,000. Canada 52,000. Germany 46,200. UK 41,800. Russia 14,600. China 6,800. Philippines 2,770
RECENT HISTORY
Following territorial and political rivalry between imperial Britain and tsarist Russia that ended in various British/Afghan treaties, Britain finally withdrew from Afghanistan in 1881. Various emirs then held power until 1979, a period that underwent political, religious and ideological conflict with Afghanistan alternately encompassing neutrality, pro-soviet and pro-American stances. During this period civil conflict and the establishment of the Mujahedeen as a fighting force resulted in a Soviet invasion in 1979. The Soviets finally left in 1989, and the Mujahedeen continued fighting but now amongst themselves as rival militias vied for influence whilst the economy was in ruins. In 1994 the Taliban emerged with backing from Pakistan and fought the Mujahedeen and almost won, the Northern Alliance being the last stronghold of the Mujahedeen. The Taliban however engendered near universal criticism, because of its extreme views, treatment of women (including denial of education for women), restrictions on all education, human rights record and support for terrorist training. Following the 911 terror attacks in the USA, a USA and British intensive bombing campaign brought an end to the Taliban, but insurgency problems continue.
The economy is shambolic and many people rely on an underdeveloped agrarian and herding society.
EDUCATION
Two separate systems of education exist in Afghanistan. The older system is a religious one, taught by the mullahs, who conduct classes in the madrassas (mosque schools). They teach the religious precepts of the Qur’an, reading, writing, and arithmetic. The other system was introduced in Afghanistan’s 1964 constitution, which provided for free and compulsory education at all levels, although this was rarely achieved. This system was based on Western models. Special emphasis was placed on primary education. Secondary schools existed in Kābul and the larger towns. Five years of primary school and five years of secondary school were expected, although many Afghans could not attend because they lived in areas where there were no schools.
Even in the best of years, less than one-fourth of all Afghan children have attended school. Secondary schools are only in the provincial and some district centres.
Decades of war effectively eliminated most education, and an entire generation grew up without any formal schooling. The civil war resulted in the closing or dismantling of most lower, middle, and higher educational facilities in the country. Many teachers quit their posts and left Afghanistan. The subsequent Taliban regime suppressed all schooling except in the madrassas, and forbade it for girls and women. Only rote memorization of the Qur’an in Arabic was officially allowed. Opposition groups in a few places in the country tried to maintain some education, but under very difficult circumstances.
With the removal of the Taliban from power in late 2001, people in Afghanistan began to rebuild a national education system.
A major project to improve literacy rates throughout Afghanistan was launched in January 2003 with the help of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Afghanistan is still a country reeling from the effects of war and an ongoing insurgency which encompasses an aim of stopping secular education by force.