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Country Profile

Country: Afghanistan
Population (2011): 35.3 million (est.)
Capital: Kabul
Area: 652,230 sq km
Main Languages: Afghan Persian or Dari (official), Pashto (official), Turkic languages
Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shia Muslim 19%, other 1%
Currency: Afghani (AFN)
GDP (2011): US$20.3 billion
GDP per capita (2011): US$576
GDP growth (2010): 8.2%
GDP contribution by sector: Agriculture 34.9%, Industry 25%, Services 40% (2008 est.)
(Note: Data excludes opium production)
Urban population (2011): 24%
Life Expectancy (2010): 48 years
International dialing code: (+93)

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