Afghanistan is a landlocked country located in Central Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north. The country has a long and complex history, with a mix of different cultures and religions, including Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Afghanistan has been invaded many times throughout history, and it was once the center of the ancient Silk Road trade route, connecting China and Europe. The country has been ravaged by conflicts for many years, including the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s and the ongoing war on terror since 9/11. Afghanistan's economy is largely based on agriculture, with opium poppies being the most important cash crop. The country is also rich in natural resources, such as copper, iron ore, and precious stones.