Afghanistan vs Pakistan
As neighbouring countries, the difference between Afghanistan and Pakistan should be given much consideration. Both are Muslim countries. Afghanistan is a mountainous country in south-central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and China. The country occupies a total area of about 251,772 square miles. Pakistan, on the other hand, is a country in South Asia. It occupies a total area of about 307,374 square miles. It is bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, India, and China. It is interesting to note that Pakistan is characterized by a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
Some facts about Afghanistan
Afghanistan is a land locked country. The official name of the country is Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul. Afghanistan attained independence in the year 1919. The Treaty of Rawalpindi was signed at that time. The current government in Afghanistan is a Presidential Republic and the current president is Ashraf Ghani (2014 est.). Islam is the religion followed in Afghanistan (80% Sunni Muslim, 19% Shia Muslim and 1% other). Apart from Muslim community, Hindus and Sikhs also lived in different cities of the country till the mid-1980s. Afghanistan had a minor Jewish community too that migrated to Israel later. Official languages of Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari. Since the start of the 20th century Afghan flag has undergone more changes than any other country’s flag. The current flag is the one that was created in 2004. It has three strips in black, red and green. The center emblem is the classical Afghan emblem with a mosque and with its mihrab facing Makah.
Climate in Afghanistan is characterized by dry hot summers and severe winters. Winters are pretty cold in Afghanistan. The economy of Afghanistan is propelled by the production of grapes, apricots, pomegranates, melons, and several other dry fruits as well. The rug weaving industry has grown up considerably and hence the Afghan rugs are said to be very popular. Sixteen new banks have opened in the country in 2003 including Kabul Bank, Azizi Bank and Afghanistan International Bank. Afghani (AFN) is the currency used in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is home to one of the popular medical universities called the Kabul Medical University.
Afghanistan displays pride in their culture, religion and ancestry. Buzkashi is a national sport in the country. It is quite similar to polo. Afghanistan is the seat for classical Persian poetry.
Some facts about Pakistan
Pakistan enjoys a coastline. The official name of Pakistan is Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad. Pakistan gained independence from the British Empire in 1947. The country is a federal parliamentary republic. The current president is Mamnoon Hussain (2014 est.) Islam is the principal religion followed in the country of Pakistan. Official languages of Pakistan are English and Urdu. Pakistan flag has a white star and crescent on a dark green field, with a vertical white stripe at the hoist. It was created in 1947.
The climate in Pakistan is both tropical and temperate. Rainfall varies from year to year. Pakistan is characterized by the semi-industrialized economy. Islamabad Stock Exchange has contributed a great deal to the economic growth of Pakistan. The currency used in Pakistan is Pakistani rupee (PKR). Pakistan is known for its quality educational institutions. There are currently (by 2010) 3193 technical and vocational institutions in the country.
Pakistan was the seat of several ancient cultures including the bronze era Indus Valley Civilization. Vedic, Persian, Turco-Mongol, Islamic and Sikh cultures too prevailed in Pakistan. Pakistan is a seat of culture and arts. Pakistani music is characterized by variety. Qawwali and Ghazal singing are quite popular in the country.
What is the difference between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Both countries share some similarities. Both are Muslim countries. Both countries have rich histories and also have good educational facilities. On the bad side, both countries suffer from terrorist attacks. However, there are differences too.
• Afghanistan is a landlocked country while Pakistan enjoys a coastline.
• Pakistan gained independence from the British in 1947; Afghanistan, in 1919.
• The climate in Pakistan is both tropical and temperate. In Afghanistan, the climate is characterized by dry hot summers and severe winters.
• Pakistan is characterized by the semi-industrialized economy. Afghanistan is still recovering from terrorist activities.
• Government in Pakistan is federal parliamentary republic. Government is Afghanistan is presidential republic.
• An interesting difference between both countries is that the people of Pakistan are called Pakistanis, but people of Afghanistan are called Afghans, not Afghanis. Afghani is their currency.
Images Courtesy: Ethnic groups of Afghanistan and Ethnic map of Pakistan (1973) via Wikicommons (Public Domain)
