Afghanistan, a country of mountains and deserts, is situated in the south-western part of Central Asia (geographic values - 60 30' - 75 50' of eastern longitude, and 29 30' - 38 30' of northern latitude). The country territory is 652.2 thousand sq. km. Population is around 18.6 million people (by 1996). Capital city - Kabul with the population of 1.7 million people (by 1986). The ethnic question is still an issue in this country. There has never been census taken since it did not meet the needs of the ruling ethnic elite of the Pushtu who, despite the historical reality, have always insisted on their numerical superiority and dominant position. One can consider the United Nations data on Tajiks and Pushtu constituting 34% and 35% correspondingly, Khazarians - 19%, Uzbeks - 9%. There are also national minorities of Turkmens, Beludjes, Nuristans, and others. Looking back at the history of Afghanistan, that till the middle of the XIX century was known as Khorasan, one can see that the country had survived through a number of disruptions and tragic events, and finally, identified its own way of development. Due to certain circumstances, Afghanistan has been located at the cross-road of big strategic paths connecting West and East. The interests of conquerors and subjugators intertwined right on this ancient land.