Afghanistan - Operation World

Afghanistan

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography Area: 652,225 sq km

Dry and mountainous but with fertile valleys. This strategic land has been fought over by rival foreign empires for nearly three thousand years.

Population: 29,117,489    Annual Growth: 3.51%

Capital: Kabul

Urbanites: 24.8%

HDI Rank: 181 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 76 (93% unreached) All peoples

Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Pashtu (used by 50% of population), Dari (Afghan Persian, used by 70%)    Languages: 41 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim

Religion                                             Pop %    Ann Gr

Christians            14,559   0.05       14.6

Muslim  29,074,395          99.85    

Prayercast

Answer to Prayer

The ousting of the Taliban from power by the alliance of US-led Western troops and Afghan warlords opposed to the Taliban has come at a great cost. Following the overthrow of the Taliban, the Afghan people, particularly women, have gained new freedoms and opportunities. These still occur largely within and are limited by the framework of traditional Afghan culture.

Challenge for Prayer

The present political situation – a foreign military working with a national government that is trying to be both progressive and conservative – is far from ideal, but it is an improvement from the tyranny of the Taliban. The Taliban imposed a harsh brand of Islam on the nation and continue to be a threat to national stability and security. The power of the warlords and tribal leaders is greater than that of the government forces or the US military; currently, most of them side with the NATO/Loya Jirga entente. Pray that the Afghan government might serve and govern with humility and wisdom. Pray that the people of Afghanistan may experience genuine freedom and an improved quality of life. Pray also that attempts by insurgents and warlords to destabilize the country might be thwarted and that a settlement might be negotiated.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Afghanistan.