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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

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Afghanistan and Pakistan are both Muslim countries located in South Asia, sharing some similarities such as rich histories and educational facilities. However, there are significant differences between the two nations in terms of geography, language, culture, and economy.

  1. Geography and Climate: Afghanistan is a landlocked, mountainous country, while Pakistan has a coastline. Afghanistan has a climate characterized by dry hot summers and severe winters, while Pakistan's climate is both tropical and temperate.
  2. Language: Pashto and Dari are the official languages of Afghanistan, while Urdu is the official language of Pakistan.
  3. Independence: Pakistan gained independence from the British in 1947, while Afghanistan gained independence in 1919.
  4. Economy: Pakistan has a semi-industrialized economy, while Afghanistan is still recovering from terrorist activities. As of 2020, Pakistan's GDP per capita is $4,600, while Afghanistan's GDP per capita is $2,000.
  5. Healthcare: Pakistan spends 3.4% of its total GDP on healthcare as of 2019, while Afghanistan spends 13.2% of its GDP on healthcare.
  6. Government: Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic, while Afghanistan is a presidential republic.
  7. Education: Pakistan has a higher literacy rate compared to Afghanistan, particularly among females.
  8. Quality of Life: Life expectancy in Pakistan is 70 years (68 years for men, 72 years for women) as of 2022, while in Afghanistan, the average life expectancy is 54 years (52 years for men, 55 years for women) as of 2022.

In summary, while Afghanistan and Pakistan share some cultural and historical similarities, they differ significantly in terms of geography, language, economy, and quality of life.

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  • What is the Difference Between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
  • Comparative Table: Afghanistan vs Pakistan

    • Comparative Table: Afghanistan vs Pakistan

    While Afghanistan and Pakistan share historical and cultural ties, they have had a tumultuous relationship over the years. Here are some key differences between the two countries:

    Feature Afghanistan Pakistan
    Formation Afghanistan was formed as a nation-state in the 18th century. Pakistan was formed during the partition of British India in 1947.
    Border Dispute Afghanistan has historically refused to recognize the Durand Line, the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan accepts the Durand Line as the border between the two countries.
    Cold War Alignments Afghanistan was part of the Soviet Union's sphere of influence during the Cold War. Pakistan was part of the United States' sphere of influence during the Cold War.
    Taliban Afghanistan has been under the control of the Taliban, an Islamist extremist group, since August 2021. Pakistan has been accused of supporting the Afghan Taliban, but the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) is a separate group that seeks to establish a Taliban-style state in Pakistan.
    Relations with India Afghanistan has a closer relationship with India, which has contributed to regional dynamics and tensions with Pakistan. Pakistan has a tense relationship with India, and the Indian presence in Afghanistan is seen as a challenge by Pakistan.

    Despite these differences, the two countries share cross-border people-to-people relationships, including the movement of refugees and familial, commercial, and communal ties spanning the Durand Line.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.