Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a landlocked country referred to as the Heart of Asia. The first human settlement in Afghanistan dates back to the Middle Paleolithic period. The country, commonly referred to as the graveyard of empires, was home to various peoples throughout history and has seen numerous military campaigns, among them those of the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Mauryan Empire, Arab Muslims, the Mongols, the British, the Soviet Union, and a U.S.-led coalition. Throughout its storied past, Afghanistan has been a vital crossroads between East and West, with the Silk Road, a network of ancient trade routes, passing through its territory. Despite its turbulent past, Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Persian, Greek, and Islamic influences. The country is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the ancient city of Bamiyan, which was once a major center of Buddhism and featured two colossal statues of the Buddha, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul houses a vast collection of artifacts, including the Bactrian Gold, a treasure trove of gold and precious gems discovered in the northern province of Balkh. The country is home to Snow Leopards, Siberian Tigers, and Brown Bears which live in the high-altitude alpine tundra regions. The Marco Polo Sheep live solely in the Wakhan Corridor region of northeastern Afghanistan. The mountainous forests of the east are home to foxes, wolves, otters, deer, wild sheep, lynxes, and other big cats. A variety of birds, hedgehogs, gophers, and large carnivores such as jackals and hyenas inhabit the semi-desert northern plains.