# Republic of Afghanistan

> government of Afghanistan from 1973 to 1978

**Wikidata**: [Q1415128](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1415128)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Afghanistan_(1973–1978))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/republic-of-afghanistan

## Summary
The Republic of Afghanistan was a sovereign state and historical country that served as the government of Afghanistan from 1973 to 1978. Established in July 1973, it replaced the Kingdom of Afghanistan and was eventually succeeded by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan following the Saur Revolution in April 1978. During its existence, the republic maintained Kabul as its capital and was a member of the United Nations.

## Key Facts
- **Existence**: The government of Afghanistan from 1973 to 1978.
- **Inception**: July 1973.
- **Dissolution**: April 1978.
- **Capital**: Kabul.
- **Official Languages**: Pashto and Dari.
- **Currency**: Afghani.
- **Area**: 647,500.0 square units.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 33, Longitude 65.
- **Predecessor**: Kingdom of Afghanistan.
- **Successor**: Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
- **International Status**: Member of the United Nations.
- **Political Classification**: Historical country, sovereign state, and historical period.
- **Official Name**: *Da Afghanistan Jomhuriyat* (د افغانستان جمهوریت‎) and *Jomhuri-ye Afghanistan* (جمهوری افغانستان).
- **Flag**: Flag of Afghanistan (1974–1978).svg.
- **Head of State**: Mohammed Daoud Khan served as the first President.
- **Political Party**: National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan, founded in 1975.
- **Key Event**: The Saur Revolution occurred within the country during this period.

## FAQs
- **When did the Republic of Afghanistan exist?**
  The republic existed from July 1973 until it was dissolved in April 1978.
- **What form of government replaced the Republic of Afghanistan?**
  It was succeeded by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan following the Saur Revolution.
- **What were the official languages of the Republic of Afghanistan?**
  The official languages were Pashto and Dari.
- **Who was the leader of the Republic of Afghanistan?**
  Mohammed Daoud Khan was the politician and first President of Afghanistan during this period.
- **Was the Republic of Afghanistan a member of the United Nations?**
  Yes, the republic was a member of the global international organization known as the United Nations.

## Why It Matters
The Republic of Afghanistan represents a pivotal transitional era in the nation's history, marking the shift from a monarchy to a republic. Its establishment ended the Kingdom of Afghanistan, fundamentally altering the political structure of the country. The state's eventual collapse during the Saur Revolution precipitated the rise of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, signaling the beginning of a new political epoch. As a sovereign state, it maintained Afghanistan's standing in the international community, including its membership in the United Nations, during a time of significant geopolitical change.

## Notable For
- **Political Transition**: It was the first republic in the country's history, replacing the longstanding monarchy.
- **Leadership**: Mohammed Daoud Khan, a prominent political figure, served as its first President.
- **Political Organizations**: It was the home of the National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan and the Afghan Women's Council.
- **National Symbols**: It utilized a specific national flag distinct from previous and subsequent eras (1974–1978).
- **Revolutionary Context**: The state existed during the period of the Saur Revolution, a major coup that changed the government.

## Body

### History and Timeline
The Republic of Afghanistan was established in July 1973, replacing the Kingdom of Afghanistan which had existed since 1926. This change marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new sovereign state. The republic lasted for five years until it was dissolved in April 1978. Its conclusion was triggered by the Saur Revolution, an April 1978 coup that took place within the country. Following this event, the state was succeeded by the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, which began its inception on April 30, 1978.

### Geography and Administration
The republic covered a geographical area of 647,500.0 square units with coordinates located at latitude 33 and longitude 65. Its capital was Kabul, which is also the largest city of Afghanistan. The state administered various provinces, including Kandahar Province, Uruzgan Province, Logar Province, and Kabul Province. The official names of the country were *Da Afghanistan Jomhuriyat* (د افغانستان جمهوریت‎) and *Jomhuri-ye Afghanistan* (جمهوری افغانستان).

### Political Structure and Governance
As a sovereign state and historical country, the Republic of Afghanistan held the highest authority over its territory. It was a member of the United Nations, the global intergovernmental organization founded in 1945. The government was led by Mohammed Daoud Khan, who acted as the first President from 1973 to 1978. The National Revolutionary Party of Afghanistan was a significant political party during this era, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Kabul. Additionally, the Afghan Women's Council operated as an organization under the government during this period.

### Society and Culture
The republic recognized Pashto and Dari as its official languages. Pashto is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while Dari is a dialect of the Persian language spoken in Afghanistan. The official currency was the afghani. The state utilized a specific flag, known as the Flag of Afghanistan (1974–1978).svg, to represent the nation.

### Notable Figures and Citizens
The Republic of Afghanistan was the state of citizenship for numerous notable figures involved in politics, activism, and religion. These individuals include:

*   **Mohammed Daoud Khan**: Politician and first President of Afghanistan (1973–1978).
*   **Abdul Ghani Baradar**: Co-founder and political leader of the Afghan Taliban.
*   **Meena Keshwar Kamal**: Afghan activist (1956–1987).
*   **Muhammad Asif Mohseni**: Afghan grand ayatollah.
*   **Akhtar Mansour**: Politician and later the 2nd leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
*   **Muhammad al-Fayadh**: Afghan Grand Ayatollah.
*   **Abdul Majid Zabuli**: Afghan banker and politician (1896–1998).
*   **Hamid Karzai**: President of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.
*   **Akram Yari**: Afghan politician.
*   **Mohammed Omar**: Afghan cleric who founded the Taliban (1960–2013).
*   **Sibghatullah Mojaddedi**: Politician and former President of Afghanistan (1992).
*   **Amrullah Saleh**: First Vice President of Afghanistan from 2020 to 2021.
*   **Babrak Karmal**: 3rd General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (1929–1996).
*   **Ahmed Gailani**: Afghan politician of Iraqi origin.
*   **General Khodaidad**: Politician from Afghanistan.
*   **Khalida Furugh**: Afghan poet.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. FactGrid