Afghanistan Population
Electronic Resources
" Women's Health and Human Rights in Afghanistan: A Population-Based Assessment," published by Physicians for Human Rights ... Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration ... [Read More]
III. Electronic Resources on Women in Afghanistan
Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration ... “Women's Health and Human Rights in Afghanistan: A Population-Based Assessment,” published by Physicians for Human Rights ... [Read More]
Related Links
U.N. Press Release: In Afghanistan, A Population in Crisis (September 24, 2001) ... [Read More]
Afghanistan
The country has a total area of 251,738 square miles and its population is approximately 25.8 million. Reliable data on the country's religious demography is not available; a census has not been taken in decades. However, observers estimate that 84 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim; approximately 15 percent is Shi'a Muslim; and other religions, including Sikhs, Hindus, and Jews, make up less than 1 percent of the population. There also is a small, low-profile Christian community, in addition to small numbers of adherents of other religions;any proselytizing is discreet. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: World Health Organization Reports on Mental Health in Afghanistan
"The community is very protective, but the population lives in fear. They worry about everyday survival. They are terrified of military attacks. They come to the clinics with pain that isn't linked to any physical condition. I just listen to them carefully and they are relieved," says Dr. Kaartinen. ... Updated statistical data about mental health care in Afghanistan doesn't exist. Over-all world statistics in normal circumstances suggest that more than 3% of the population suffer from a grave mental disorder at any point of time. This means that hundreds of thousands of Afghans are likely to be suffering from severe mental illness with no opportunity for any treatment under the current circumstances. ... [Read More]
Afghanistan
Reliable sources estimated that 85 percent of the population were Sunni Muslim, and most of the remaining 15 percent were Shi'a. Shi'a, including the predominately Hazara ethnic group, were among the most economically disadvantaged persons in the country. Relations between the different branches of Islam in the country were difficult. Historically, the minority Shi'a faced discrimination from the majority Sunni population. The Shi'a minority advocated a national government that would give them equal rights as citizens. There were small numbers of Hindus and Sikhs. There also were small numbers of Ismailis living in the central and northern parts of the country. Ismailis were Shi'a but consider the Aga Khan their spiritual leader. ... [Read More]
Afghanistan
CRIME: A large portion of the Afghan population is unemployed, and many among the unemployed have moved to urban areas. Basic services are rudimentary or non-existent. These factors may directly contribute to crime and lawlessness. Diplomats and international relief workers have reported incidents of robberies and household burglaries. Any American citizen who enters Afghanistan should remain vigilant for possible banditry, including violent attacks. ... [Read More]
Rebuilding Afghanistan Links - US Department of State
U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration ... U.N. Press Release: In Afghanistan, A Population in Crisis ... [Read More]
Afghanistan (04/05)
Afghanistan is an Islamic country. An estimated 80% of the population is Sunni, following the Hanafi school of jurisprudence; the remainder of the population--and primarily the Hazara ethnic group-- predominantly Shi'a, mainly Hazara. Despite attempts during the years of communist rule to secularize Afghan society, Islamic practices pervade all aspects of life. In fact, Islam served as a principal basis for expressing opposition to communism and the Soviet invasion. Islamic religious tradition and codes, together with traditional tribal and ethnic practices, have an important role in personal conduct and dispute settlement. Excluding urban populations in the principal cities, most Afghans are divided into tribal and other kinship-based groups, which follow traditional customs and religious practices. ... [Read More]
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