Afghanistan, (which literally means Land of the Afghan) is a mountainous land-locked country located in Central Asia. It has a history and culture that goes back over 5000 years. Throughout its long, splendid, and sometimes chaotic history, this area of the world has been known by various names. In ancient times, its inhabitants called the land Aryana. In the medieval era, it was called Khorasan, and in modern times, its people have decided to call it Afghanistan. The exact population of Afghanistan is unknown, however, it is estimated to be somewhere around 21-26 million. Afghanistan is a heterogeneous nation, in which there are four major ethnic groups: Pashtoons, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. Numerous other minor ethnic groups (Nuristanis, Baluchis, Turkmens, etc.) also call Afghanistan their home. While the majority of Afghans (99%) belong to the Islamic faith, there are also small pockets of Sikhs, Hindus and even some Jews. The official languages of the country are Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian). The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, which throughout history, was admired by many great figures, such as the great Central Asian conqueror, Zahirudeen Babur. Unfortunately, due to many years of war, this great city has been shattered and nearly destroyed. Today, Afghanistan is on a road to recovery, however, after decades of war, the economy is still in ruins; its environment is in a state of crises. The country is riddled with landmines left from the war, which are still injuring and killing people on a daily basis. Afghanistan is being run by an interim administration headed by Hamid Karzai. The administration took power in December 22, 2001 after various delegates in Bonn, Germany signed an accord. The administration is to rule for 6 months, after which an emergency Loya Jirga (Traditional Grand Assembly) will be convened to decide on a transitional authority. This will include a broad-based transitional administration, to lead Afghanistan until the people can elect a permanent government. The permanent and elected government is supposed to be in place no more than 2 years after the emergency Loya Jirga is convened.