Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Political Status: Republic established following military coup that overthrew traditional monarchy in July 1973; constitution of 1977 abolished following coup of April 27, 1978; successor regime established following coup of December 27, 1979, but effectively overthrown on April 16, 1992; successor regime effectively overthrown by the Taliban in late September 1996 but claimed to remain legitimate government; interim administration installed in December 2001 following overthrow of the Taliban; transitional government installed in June 2002; new constitution providing for multiparty democracy approved by a Loya Jirga (Grand National Council) on January 4, 2004; permanent government of the newly renamed Islamic Republic of Afghanistan established by inauguration of the president on December 7, 2004, and the cabinet on December 23.

Area: 249,999 sq. mi. (647,497 ...