Afghanistan’s Economy

Proud people and a breathtaking landscape do not conceal the fact that Afghanistan is a poor country। Only one eighth of the terrain is tillable, and precious water sources determine the location of human settlements. Economic and political development has been retarded by the rugged geography and a harsh climate as well as by ethnic and linguistic diversity. Communications links are difficult and expensive to build, making transportation costs high and slowing trade and the development of local industry.

Source: Clifford, Mary Louise. The Land and Peoples of Afghanistan. New York: J.B. Lippincott.