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Large
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Small
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KHYBER PASS
The Khyber Pass is
the gateway from the
mountains of
Afghanistan to the
densely populated
plains of the Indian
subcontinent. A narrow
road, built during the
late 19th century, winds its
way between sheer cliffs, and at
one point the pass is only 15 ft (5 m)
wide. During the Second Afghan War
(1879-80) the pass was the scene of many
battles between British troops and
local tribesmen.
VAKHSH GORGE
In the south of Tajikistan, the fast-flowing
rivers that descend from the Pamir Mountains
are a major source of hydroelectric power. The
dam on the Vakhsh River was built in the 1930s
by the Soviets. As well as providing electricity, it
supplies water by canal to lowland farmers. Water
has transformed deserts into oases where
almonds, apricots, and figs are grown.
AFGHANISTAN
Area: 251,827 sq miles
(652,230 sq km)
Population: 32,564,000
Capital: Kabul
Languages: Persian, Pashtu, Dari,
Uzbek, Turkmen
Religions: Sunni Muslim,
Shi’ite Muslim
Currency: Afghani
KYRGYZSTAN
Area: 77,202 sq miles
(199,951 sq km)
Population: 5,665,000
Capital: Bishkek
Languages: Kyrgyz, Russian
Religions: Muslim,
Russian Orthodox
Currency: Som
TAJIKISTAN
Area: 55,637 sq miles
(144,100 sq km)
Population: 8,192,000
Capital: Dushanbe
Languages: Tajik, Russian
Religions: Sunni Muslim,
Shi’ite Muslim
Currency: Tajik ruble
TURKMENISTAN
Area: 188,455 sq
miles (488,100 sq km)
Population: 5,231,500
Capital: Ashgabat
Languages: Turkmen, Uzbek,
Russian
Religions: Sunni Muslim,
Eastern Orthodox
Currency: Manat
WAR-TORN KABUL
The capital of Afghanistan
is in a strategic position,
guarding the mountain passes
into Pakistan. It suffered
terrible damage during the
civil war (1979-89), when the
Communist government
confronted the local tribes
(mojahedin). In 2001, American-
led forces invaded Afghanistan
and overthrew the radical Taliban
government. A democratically
elected government was installed in
Kabul, but conflict between warring
groups continued. In 2015, peace talks
began between these groups.
UZBEKISTAN
Area: 172,741 sq
miles (447,400 sq km)
Population: 29,192,000
Capital: Tashkent
Languages: Uzbek, Russian
Religions: Sunni Muslim,
Eastern Orthodox
Currency: Som