Afghanistan

Afghanistan Factbook

Afghanistanhas had a very troubled history. It is dominated by Islam. Practically none have heard the gospel. There may be a few native Christians, but there are no churches. Missionaries are not allowed, but new opportunities may open.

Afghanistanis located in southwestern Asia. It is bordered by Iran, Pakistan, and the former Soviet republics of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. The landscape is mountainous with fertile valleys.

The population is nearly 29 million. The people are primarily a mixture of Afghan, Persian, and Turkic origins in numerous smaller family groupings.

Afghanistanwas ruled by a monarchy for more than 2 centuries. A military coup established a republic in 1973. In 1978 another coup brought a Marxist regime to power. This sparked a rebellion that the Soviet military came to suppress. The Soviets finally retreated in humiliation in 1989, and the Marxist government fell in 1992. After years of civil war, the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban gained control. Afghanistan became a haven for Islamic terrorist groups. The Taliban was overthrown when the United States invaded in 2001, and Afghanistan is still trying to establish a working government under Hamid Karzai.

Twenty-five years of war has devastated the economy. Most of the infrastructure has been demolished. Afghanistan is the world's leading producer of opium, and opium is the leading cash crop. Many cultivate it to earn enough money to survive.

Under Taliban rule, no religions other than Islam were tolerated, but there is hope for some freedoms under the new government. 99% of the population is Muslim. There is probably a small handful of indigenous Christians, but it's difficult to know because they live in great danger.

Missionaries are not allowed. However, Christian aid agencies are allowed to operate. Pray that these workers might wisely tell others of the gospel. Pray also for their protection. Some Muslims do not want these workers. Some aid workers were imprisoned or killed for their faith.

Pray that the walls, both legal and social, which restrict preaching of the gospel, might be broken down. Pray for the restoration of a just government. Pray for the available means of getting the gospel to the people such as through aid work, Christian radio, and literature. Several hours of radio programming are broadcast each week. Some Bibles are available in two of the native languages.

Return