# Kandahar

> city in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

**Wikidata**: [Q45604](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45604)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandahar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kandahar

## Summary
Kandahar is a major city in southern Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Kandahar Province. It is one of the largest cities in the country, with a rich history as a political and cultural center, including periods as the capital of the Durrani Empire and the Hotak dynasty.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Kandahar is situated in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, at coordinates 31.62068° N, 65.71588° E.
- **Population**: As of 2020, the city had a population of 614,254, up from 361,727 in 2010 and 226,000 in 1998.
- **Area**: The city covers approximately 800 square kilometers.
- **Elevation**: Kandahar is located at an elevation of 1,010 meters above sea level.
- **Timezone**: The city operates on UTC+04:30.
- **Official Name**: The official name in Persian is کندهار (Kandahār).
- **Historical Names**: Previously known as Alexandria Arachosia (Ἀλεξάνδρεια Ἀραχωσίας) during the Hellenistic period.
- **Capital Status**:
  - Capital of Kandahar Province since 1772.
  - Capital of the Durrani Empire (1747–1776).
  - Capital of the Hotak dynasty (1709–1738).
  - Capital of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001).
- **Demonym**: Residents are called کندهاریان (Kandahāriān).
- **Languages**: The city is referenced in over 100 languages on Wikipedia, including English, Persian, Pashto, Arabic, and Russian.
- **Social Media**: The city has an official Twitter account (@KandaharMedia) with 17,245 followers as of 2022 and a Facebook page (Kandahar.mediaoffice).
- **Website**: The official government website is http://kandahar.gov.af.
- **UN/LOCODE**: The city’s UN/LOCODE is AFKDH.
- **Twin Cities**: Kandahar is twinned with Nogales (USA), Council Bluffs (USA), and Herat (Afghanistan).
- **Significant Events**: The city is notable for the Siege of Kandahar, a historic military conflict.

## FAQs

### What is the historical significance of Kandahar?
Kandahar has been a major political and cultural center in Afghanistan for centuries. It served as the capital of the Durrani Empire (1747–1776), the Hotak dynasty (1709–1738), and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001). The city was also known as Alexandria Arachosia during the Hellenistic period, reflecting its ancient roots.

### What is the population of Kandahar?
As of 2020, Kandahar had a population of 614,254, making it one of the largest cities in Afghanistan. The population has grown significantly over the decades, from 226,000 in 1998 to 361,727 in 2010.

### What are the coordinates and elevation of Kandahar?
Kandahar is located at 31.62068° N latitude and 65.71588° E longitude. The city sits at an elevation of 1,010 meters above sea level.

### What is the official language and demonym of Kandahar?
The official name of the city is کندهار (Kandahār) in Persian. Residents of Kandahar are referred to as کندهاریان (Kandahāriān).

### What are some notable historical events associated with Kandahar?
Kandahar is known for the Siege of Kandahar, a significant military event in its history. The city has also been a key political center, serving as the capital for multiple Afghan empires and dynasties.

### What social media presence does Kandahar have?
Kandahar has an official Twitter account (@KandaharMedia) with 17,245 followers as of 2022 and a Facebook page (Kandahar.mediaoffice). These platforms are used for official communications and updates about the city.

### What are the twin cities of Kandahar?
Kandahar is twinned with Nogales (USA), Council Bluffs (USA), and Herat (Afghanistan). These partnerships often involve cultural and economic exchanges.

## Why It Matters
Kandahar is a historically and politically significant city in Afghanistan, having served as the capital of multiple empires and dynasties. Its strategic location and cultural heritage make it a key urban center in southern Afghanistan. The city’s role in modern Afghan politics, particularly during the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996–2001), underscores its ongoing relevance. Additionally, Kandahar’s growth in population and infrastructure reflects its importance as an economic and administrative hub in the region.

## Notable For
- **Historical Capital**: Kandahar has been the capital of several Afghan empires, including the Durrani Empire and the Hotak dynasty.
- **Population Growth**: The city’s population has more than doubled since 1998, reaching over 600,000 in 2020.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Known as Alexandria Arachosia in ancient times, Kandahar has a rich history dating back to the Hellenistic period.
- **Strategic Location**: The city’s position in southern Afghanistan makes it a key political and economic center.
- **Modern Governance**: Kandahar is the capital of Kandahar Province and has an active social media presence for official communications.

## Body

### Geography and Demographics
Kandahar is located in southern Afghanistan, serving as the capital of Kandahar Province. The city covers an area of approximately 800 square kilometers and is situated at an elevation of 1,010 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are 31.62068° N latitude and 65.71588° E longitude. The population of Kandahar has grown significantly over the years, with estimates of 130,200 in 1970, 225,000 in 1989, 226,000 in 1998, 361,727 in 2010, and 614,254 in 2020.

### Historical Significance
Kandahar has a long and storied history, having served as the capital of several Afghan empires and dynasties. It was the capital of the Hotak dynasty from 1709 to 1738 and the Durrani Empire from 1747 to 1776. More recently, it was the capital of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001. The city was also known as Alexandria Arachosia during the Hellenistic period, reflecting its ancient roots.

### Governance and Administration
Kandahar is the administrative center of Kandahar Province and has been since 1772. The city has an official government website (http://kandahar.gov.af) and maintains an active social media presence, including a Twitter account (@KandaharMedia) with 17,245 followers as of 2022 and a Facebook page (Kandahar.mediaoffice). The official name of the city in Persian is کندهار (Kandahār), and its residents are referred to as کندهاریان (Kandahāriān).

### Cultural and Economic Role
Kandahar is a major cultural and economic hub in southern Afghanistan. The city is twinned with Nogales (USA), Council Bluffs (USA), and Herat (Afghanistan), fostering international and domestic partnerships. Kandahar’s strategic location and historical significance make it a key player in the region’s politics and economy.

### Notable Events and Landmarks
Kandahar is known for the Siege of Kandahar, a significant military event in its history. The city also has several notable landmarks, including Kandahar University and the Governor’s Courtyard. Images of the city, such as the nighttime view and aerial shots, highlight its urban landscape and architectural features.

### Digital and Online Presence
Kandahar has a strong digital presence, with references in over 100 languages on Wikipedia. The city is also listed in various encyclopedias and databases, including the Encyclopædia Britannica, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, and the Great Russian Encyclopedia. Additionally, Kandahar is featured in the Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

### International Identifiers
Kandahar is recognized by several international identifiers, including:
- **UN/LOCODE**: AFKDH
- **WOEID**: 1935376
- **Geonames ID**: 1138336
- **GND ID**: 4109990-4
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n83042981
- **VIAF ID**: 134903120

These identifiers facilitate the city’s representation in global databases and mapping systems.

### Twin Cities and Partnerships
Kandahar is twinned with three cities:
1. **Nogales, USA**: A city in Arizona, known for its border with Mexico.
2. **Council Bluffs, USA**: A city in Iowa, with historical significance in the American Midwest.
3. **Herat, Afghanistan**: A major city in western Afghanistan, known for its cultural heritage.

These partnerships often involve cultural exchanges, economic collaborations, and mutual support in various initiatives.

### Social Media and Communication
Kandahar maintains an active social media presence to engage with residents and the global community. The official Twitter account (@KandaharMedia) was created in January 2020 and had 17,245 followers as of August 2022. The city also has a Facebook page (Kandahar.mediaoffice) for official updates and communications.

### Historical References
Kandahar is referenced in numerous historical and encyclopedic sources, including:
- **Otto’s Encyclopedia**
- **Sytin Military Encyclopedia**
- **Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary**
- **The Nuttall Encyclopædia**
- **Encyclopædia Britannica 11th Edition**
- **Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia**
- **Pauly–Wissowa**

These references highlight the city’s enduring significance in historical and academic contexts.

### Economic and Administrative Data
Kandahar’s economy is supported by its role as the capital of Kandahar Province and its strategic location in southern Afghanistan. The city’s official website (http://kandahar.gov.af) provides information on governance, services, and development initiatives. The UN/LOCODE (AFKDH) and other international identifiers facilitate trade and administrative coordination.

### Cultural Heritage and Landmarks
Kandahar is home to several cultural and historical landmarks, including:
- **Kandahar University**: A prominent educational institution in the city.
- **Governor’s Courtyard**: A significant administrative and historical site.
- **Nighttime Views**: The city’s nighttime landscape is captured in various images, showcasing its urban development.

These landmarks contribute to Kandahar’s cultural identity and historical legacy.

### Population and Urban Growth
Kandahar’s population has experienced significant growth over the past few decades. Key population estimates include:
- **1970**: 130,200 (estimation)
- **1985**: 203,000 (estimation)
- **1989**: 225,000 (estimation)
- **1998**: 226,000 (estimation)
- **2010**: 361,727
- **2020**: 614,254

This growth reflects the city’s expanding role as a major urban center in Afghanistan.

### International Recognition
Kandahar is recognized in various international databases and encyclopedias, including:
- **Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names ID**: 1001493
- **Bibliothèque nationale de France ID**: 15321973q
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Online ID (2017)**: 2041084
- **Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID**: place/Kandahar

These references underscore the city’s global significance and historical importance.

### Modern Governance and Infrastructure
Kandahar’s modern governance is supported by its official website and social media presence. The city’s infrastructure includes educational institutions like Kandahar University and administrative sites like the Governor’s Courtyard. The official Twitter account and Facebook page provide platforms for communication and engagement with residents and the international community.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Kandahar’s historical significance is reflected in its role as the capital of multiple Afghan empires and dynasties. The city’s cultural heritage is further highlighted by its references in ancient texts and modern encyclopedias. The Siege of Kandahar and other historical events underscore the city’s strategic importance in the region.

### Digital and Online Resources
Kandahar is well-represented in digital and online resources, including:
- **Wikipedia**: The city has a dedicated page in over 100 languages.
- **Commons Gallery**: A collection of images and media related to Kandahar.
- **OpenStreetMap**: The city is mapped with the relation ID 6588481.

These resources provide comprehensive information and visual representations of the city.

### Economic and Administrative Role
Kandahar’s role as the capital of Kandahar Province and its historical significance make it a key economic and administrative center in southern Afghanistan. The city’s official website and social media presence facilitate communication and governance, supporting its ongoing development and growth.

### Notable People and Categories
Kandahar is associated with several notable categories, including:
- **Category:Births in Kandahar**: A list of notable individuals born in the city.
- **Category:People from Kandahar**: A list of notable residents and associated individuals.
- **Category:Deaths in Kandahar**: A list of notable individuals who died in the city.

These categories highlight the city’s cultural and historical contributions through its people.

### International Partnerships
Kandahar’s twin city partnerships with Nogales, Council Bluffs, and Herat foster cultural and economic exchanges. These partnerships enhance the city’s global connections and support mutual development initiatives.

### Historical Events
The Siege of Kandahar is one of the most notable historical events associated with the city. This military conflict underscores Kandahar’s strategic importance and its role in Afghan history.

### Modern Developments
Kandahar’s modern developments include its growing population, expanding infrastructure, and active digital presence. The city’s official website and social media platforms support governance and communication, reflecting its ongoing evolution as a major urban center in Afghanistan.

### Conclusion
Kandahar is a city of historical, cultural, and political significance in Afghanistan. Its role as the capital of Kandahar Province and its rich history as the seat of multiple empires underscore its importance. The city’s growing population, strategic location, and active digital presence highlight its ongoing relevance in the region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. MusicBrainz
5. Q120475222
6. Great dictionary of geographical names
7. Source
8. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
9. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
10. GeoNames
11. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/af.htm)
12. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
13. KBpedia
14. museum-digital