Pashtuns: Leading in numbers for the largest ethnic group is the Pashtuns, known by many other names such as Pakhtuns, the Pathans, or the Persian Afghans. The Pashtuns lie south of the Hindu Kush, but Pashtun groups are scattered all over the country. Most Pashtuns work in farmlands to earn their livelihood. Many of them live nomadic lifestyle too. These nomads live in tents made of black goat hair.
Uzbeks & Turkmen: The Uzbeks are the followers of Sunni of Islam and speak central Turkic dialects like Uzbeki. Most Uzbeks make their living off of farming and herding. However, several Uzbeks have become successful businessmen and skilled artisans. Uzbeks and Turkmen have a tribal identity that still largely defines the structures within their respective societies and this is reflected both in their social as well as political life. Both groups have had an influence on the Afghan culture through sport and music.
Tajiks: The Tajiks are the second largest ethnic group of afghanistan. The Tajiks populate at 4.5 million, living in the Panjsher Valley just north of Kabul. They do not segregate themselves into tribes, but instead correlate themselves by their geographic location, and the mountains they live upon.
Nuristanis: Live in eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. The region is so densely forested and rugged that it can be reached only by foot. They speak various dialects of Nuristani and Dardic. Usually, the Nuristanis are farmers, mountain herders and farmers. However, many of them have earned respectable place in the social order by getting into the army.
Aimaqs: The Aimaqs do not have tribes, and are a western culture living amongst Badghis, Ghor, and Herat provinces. They are are muslims called the Sunni's and speak in a dialect that is almost like Dari. They shepard sheeps, and use their cotton.
Balochis: The Balochs live in a thinly populated deserts and semi-deserts of the Helmand Province. The Balochs, like the Aimaqs and the Pashtuns can speak Pashto, and also understand Balochis and Dari.
Kite Runner Correlation: The races, ethnicities, and tribes of Afghanistan are a major conflict in The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Ethnicity actually brings out a major conflict of the story. Amir being Pashtun, of the upper class. His best friend and half brother, Hassan, is Hazara. Hazaras are looked down upon for their differences in appearance and religion. Although Amir and Hassan are friends, Amir is always to admit this to anyone. He is ashamed to be friends with a "servant". This leads to him abandoning Hassan during many events, because of his embarrassment.
Uzbeks & Turkmen: The Uzbeks are the followers of Sunni of Islam and speak central Turkic dialects like Uzbeki. Most Uzbeks make their living off of farming and herding. However, several Uzbeks have become successful businessmen and skilled artisans. Uzbeks and Turkmen have a tribal identity that still largely defines the structures within their respective societies and this is reflected both in their social as well as political life. Both groups have had an influence on the Afghan culture through sport and music.
Tajiks: The Tajiks are the second largest ethnic group of afghanistan. The Tajiks populate at 4.5 million, living in the Panjsher Valley just north of Kabul. They do not segregate themselves into tribes, but instead correlate themselves by their geographic location, and the mountains they live upon.
- Hazaras: The Hazaras dwell in Hazarat, where they farm and are shepherds. Their ancestors come from the province of the Xinjiang region of north-western China. Their people have been neglected for the longest time, and are still trying to redeem their inferior name.
Nuristanis: Live in eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. The region is so densely forested and rugged that it can be reached only by foot. They speak various dialects of Nuristani and Dardic. Usually, the Nuristanis are farmers, mountain herders and farmers. However, many of them have earned respectable place in the social order by getting into the army.
Aimaqs: The Aimaqs do not have tribes, and are a western culture living amongst Badghis, Ghor, and Herat provinces. They are are muslims called the Sunni's and speak in a dialect that is almost like Dari. They shepard sheeps, and use their cotton.
Balochis: The Balochs live in a thinly populated deserts and semi-deserts of the Helmand Province. The Balochs, like the Aimaqs and the Pashtuns can speak Pashto, and also understand Balochis and Dari.
Kite Runner Correlation: The races, ethnicities, and tribes of Afghanistan are a major conflict in The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Ethnicity actually brings out a major conflict of the story. Amir being Pashtun, of the upper class. His best friend and half brother, Hassan, is Hazara. Hazaras are looked down upon for their differences in appearance and religion. Although Amir and Hassan are friends, Amir is always to admit this to anyone. He is ashamed to be friends with a "servant". This leads to him abandoning Hassan during many events, because of his embarrassment.