Page updated on 24/08/2009

Landlocked and mountainous, Afghanistan has suffered from such chronic instability and conflict during its modern history that its economy and infrastructure are in ruins, and many of its people are refugees.

In Afghanistan death is a constant reminder. The total lack of international attention has left this brave and forsaken people to die a sad and lonely death. No wonder the UN Development Index ranks this as 169 out of 174 poorest countries in the world. The average Afghan man, woman and child die as a result of simple curable diseases like diarrhea, and fever. 1 in every 4 children in Afghanistan does not make it to the age of 5 and the life expectancy is only 40. The Afghans have accepted the death as a way of life: 'Life without struggle & effort is like dying before death.'

"For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to God a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit) and they shall have (besides) a liberal reward. "(Quran-Hadid 57:18)

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