Bamyan Province

Coordinates: 34°45′N 67°15′E / 34.75°N 67.25°E / 34.75; 67.25
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Bamyan
بامیان
The location of Bamiyan Province within Afghanistan
The location of Bamiyan Province within Afghanistan
Coordinates: 34°45′N 67°15′E / 34.75°N 67.25°E / 34.75; 67.25
CountryAfghanistan
Capital cityBamyan
Area
 • Total14,175 km2 (5,473 sq mi)
Population
 (2006)[1]
 • Total387,300
 • Density27/km2 (71/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+4:30
Main languagesDari Persian (Hazaragi dialect)

Bamyan Province (Persian: بامیان) is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. It is in the centre of the country. Its capital city is also called Bamyan. Most of the people are Hazaras, with fewer Tajiks,[2] and Pashtuns.[3] Bamyan is the largest province in the Hazarajat region of Afghanistan. About 450.000 people lived in Bamyan province in 2020. The province mainly became known for the Buddhas of Bamiyan, which were destroyed under Taliban rule, in 2001. In the past, the province was strategically important because of the Silk Road which passes through it. The Silk Road linked Asian countries such as India and China, with Persia, the Mediterranean and Europe. Buddhism used to be common, and there were many Buddha statues, and monasteries.

Politics[change | change source]

Governors[change | change source]

The former governor of the province is Habiba Sarabi. She is Afghanistan's first and, so far, only female governor.[4]

Districts[change | change source]

Districts of Bamyan Province
District Capital Population Area[5] Notes
Bamyan Bamyan 73,200
Kahmard Kahmard 32,200 Transferred from Baghlan in 2005
Panjab Panjab 60,400
Sayghan Sayghan 21,200 Transferred from Baghlan and created within Kahmard District in 2005
Shibar Shibar 26,100
Waras Waras 96,700
Yakawlang Nayak 77,500
Districts of Bamyan.

Economy[change | change source]

Agriculture[change | change source]

A small boy in a potato field in Bamyan

Bamiyan is famous for its potatoes.

Education[change | change source]

Bamyan Province has the only university, Bamiyan University in the area.

References[change | change source]

  1. "World Gazetteer". Archived from the original on 2012-12-09. Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  2. Cultural and conflict Studies, Bamyan Province
  3. Bamyan provincial profile
  4. British Broadcasting Corporation : Putting Bamyan Back on the Map Retrieved 2009-08-18
  5. Afghanistan Geographic & Thematic Layers