ENGLISH
REFERENCE

afghanistan

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //æfˈɡænəˌstæn// afghanistan

n. a country in South Asia that has no coast. It is known for its high mountains and long history.

n. a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China.


SIMPLE

Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan.

CONTEXTUAL

The rugged terrain of Afghanistan makes travel between its remote mountain villages quite difficult.

COMPLEX

Scholars often describe Afghanistan as the 'heart of Asia' due to its historical role as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

Origin

From Classical Persian اَفْغَانِسْتَان (afġānistān), from اَفْغَان (afġān, “Afghan”) + ـِسْتَان (-istān, “-istan: land of”), equivalent to Afghan + -i- + -stan.

Usage

Proper noun; typically used without an article.

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