Afghanistan is a mountainous landlocked country, about the size of Texas, located in Central Asia. Wedged between the former Soviet Union, Iran, Pakistan and China, it has been an area of tension for hundreds of years. Afghanistan achieved a measure of national unity in 1747 and became a constitutional monarchy in 1931. In 1973 the monarchy was overthrown in a bloodless coup, and a republic was established. The republic failed to survive and in late December of 1979 thousands of Soviet troops air lifted into the country. The war against the Soviets lasted many years, before the cease-fire just a few years ago.

All the citizens of the country are called Afghans, but the name Afghanistan, meaning "land of the Afghans," was not used to describe the area until the 18th century A.D. The ancient name for the region was Aryana, meaning "land of the Aryans."

The staple food of the villagers and towns people is bread and rice. Among other basic foods are cheese, chicken, lamb, eggs, onions, spiced tea, melons, cucumbers, and other fruit. Large amounts of meat, rice, and vegetables are consumed by the Afghans. Rice is often served with meat, herbs, and sauces. Other popular items include filled and fried pastries as well as rose-water-flavored drinks.