Afghan people

Afghan people or Afghans are the citizens of Afghanistan, a multiethnic country located in South and Central Asia. The term Afghan is also used to refer to the Pashtun people, the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan.

History

The history of the Afghan people is closely tied to the history of Afghanistan. The region has been inhabited for millennia, with the earliest known human habitation dating back to the Middle Paleolithic. The area has been home to various cultures and empires, including the Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the Mughal Empire.

Ethnic groups

Afghanistan is a multiethnic country, with the Pashtuns being the largest ethnic group, followed by Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and others. Each ethnic group has its own unique culture, language, and history.

Pashtuns

The Pashtuns, also known as Pathans, are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, making up about 42% of the population. They are primarily Sunni Muslims and speak Pashto, one of the two official languages of Afghanistan.

Tajiks

Tajiks are the second largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, making up about 27% of the population. They are primarily Sunni Muslims and speak Dari, the other official language of Afghanistan.

Hazaras

Hazaras make up about 9% of the population of Afghanistan. They are primarily Shia Muslims and speak Hazaragi, a dialect of Dari.

Uzbeks

Uzbeks make up about 9% of the population of Afghanistan. They are primarily Sunni Muslims and speak Uzbek.

Culture

The culture of the Afghan people is rich and diverse, with influences from Persia, India, Mongolia, and other parts of Central Asia. This is reflected in the country's music, literature, art, and cuisine.

Religion

The majority of Afghans are Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the most practiced sect. There are also significant communities of Shia Muslims, particularly among the Hazara people.

See also

• Demographics of Afghanistan
• Culture of Afghanistan
• Languages of Afghanistan