Afghanistan is a mysterious country for many foreigners. From the rugged landscape to the traditional social norms shared by its people, Afghanistan continues to confound the world. The country's unique location has influenced its history and its people, as well as that of the nations and armies that have sought to conquer it. Like all nations, Afghanistan's geography, infrastructure, history, and people contribute to the country's overall culture. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is located in South Asia. It is a landlocked country. The nations that border Afghanistan are Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, and Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. The country also shares a smaller territory with China, measuring only 76 kilometers in length. It is the 41st largest country in the world, with an area of ​​approximately 652,000 square kilometers. The geography varies widely within its borders. The lowest altitude is 258 meters above sea level while the highest peak reaches 7,485 metres. Most of the territory consists of rugged mountains with a semi-arid to arid climate, with pockets of arable plains comprising approximately twelve percent of the country's territory (cia.gov). The most significant mountain range is the Hindu Kush in the northeast of the country. Temperatures vary widely depending on the seasons and altitudes. In the capital Kabul, temperatures can dip well below zero Fahrenheit in the winter and average 90° F in the warmer months. Lower elevation areas maintain averages above 100° F in the summer (“Profile of Afghanistan” 6). Historically, harsh winters and summers determine the peak fighting seasons, spring and fall. Agriculture is an important aspect in the lives of Afghans there...... middle of paper ......2014. Network. March 23, 2014. Works Cited Afghanistan: Communications. Petaluma: World Trade Press, 2010. E-book. "Profile of Afghanistan". Asia and Pacific Review. (2006). Print. Afghanistan: society and culture. Petaluma: World Trade Press, 2010. E-book. “History of Afghanistan”. Nations online. One world and one web. March 23, 2014. Redaelli, Silvia, et al. Research study on internally displaced people in urban environments – Afghanistan. Kabul: The World Bank, 2011. Web.Rasanayagam, Angel. Afghanistan: a modern history. London: IB Taurus & Company, 2003. E-book.Sieff, Kevin. “After billions in US investment, Afghan roads are falling apart.” Washington Post, January 30, 2014. Web.Tanner, Stephen. Afghanistan: a military history from Alexander the Great to the war against the Taliban. Cambridge: Da Capo Press, 2009. E-book. "World Fact Book". CIA.gov. np, March 11, 2014. Web. March 23 2014.