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Afghanistan's Provinces

Balkh

Capital Mazari Sharif
Population 1,145,000
Area 17,249  km²

The ancient province of Balkh has been the center of a variety of religious traditions, from Zoroastrianism, Greek pantheism, and Hinduism to Buddhism and Islam. The bulk of province’s rural areas remain fertile, and the re-establishment of the tube-well irrigation system has revived Balkh’s agricultural market. The mainly Tajik population has a relatively high rate of literacy, and despite 30 years of war, the province has a substantial number of functioning hospitals, schools, and roads. The region has also greatly benefited from the establishment of micro-finance cooperatives and the development of robust legal and governance institutions.

Afghanistan's Provinces

 Map of Afghanistan highlighting Balkh province

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Announcements

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Sunday, February 28, 2010
Improving Reading and Math Instruction in Community-based Schools
USAID recently provided training for 108 teacher trainers from 18 provinces in Afghanistan.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Sunday, February 28, 2010
New Training Materials for Science and Math Teachers
Thirty-six training sessions will reach 14,000 teachers across 11 provinces in Afghanistan between March and June 2010.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Sunday, February 28, 2010
International Computer Certification Builds Capacity
The 13 International Computer Driving License (ICDL) recipients are now certified to administer the ICDL examination in Afghanistan.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Monday, February 15, 2010
Strengthening Independent Media in Afghanistan
Nai opens training hubs in Mazari Sharif and Jalalabad.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ending Violence Against Women
USAID is supporting Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) in a coordinated effort to raise awareness about domestic violence and women’s rights.

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Afghanistan Celebrates World AIDS Day
USAID developed advocacy and awareness messages for major Afghan TV and radio stations.

Parwan Province, Afghanistan  | Tuesday, December 15, 2009
National Wheat Seed and Fertilizer Distribution Program Begins
USAID expects to provide vouchers to 360,000 farmers in 18 provinces this year.


Press Releases

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Monday, February 22, 2010
Afghanistan Civil Service Commission and U.S. Government Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Begin Civil Service Support Program

Kabul, Afghanistan  | Monday, February 22, 2010
کمیسیون خدمات ملکی افغانستان و حکومت ایالات متحده تفاهم نامه را جهت آغاز برنامه حمایت خدمات ملکی امضا نمودند

Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan  | Thursday, October 01, 2009
Afghanistan Central Business Registry Opens in Mazari Sharif

Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan  | Thursday, October 01, 2009
دفتر مرکزی ثبت اسناد تجارتی افغانستان در مزارشریف گشایش یافت

Mazari Sharif, Afghanistan  | Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Afghan Political Leaders Kick Off Mazari Sharif International AgFair and Cashmere Exhibition

Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Sunday, January 25, 2009
USAID Launches $3 Million Cash-for-Work Project

Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Sunday, January 25, 2009
اداره انکشافی بین المللی ایالات متحده به مبلغ 3 میلیون دالر پروژه پول درمقابل کار را براه انداخت

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Saturday, November 01, 2008
Mazar-i-Sharif International Agricultural Fair attracts 50,000 participants
Agriculture fair builds national and international business ties.

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Saturday, November 01, 2008
نمایشگاه زراعتی بین المللی مزار شریف 50000 تن اشتراک کننده را بخود جلب نمود

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Mazar-i-Sharif International Agricultural Fair to draw investments, exports
Businesspeople from around the country and representatives from around the world attend exposition in Balkh province.

Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan  | Wednesday, October 29, 2008
جلب سرمایه گذاری و صادرات دست آورد مهم جشنواره زراعتی بین المللی مزار شریف خواهد بود

Washington, DC  | Thursday, March 20, 2008
USAID Awards Contract to Further Support Infrastructure in Afghanistan
Two-year contract to improve the economic and social infrastructure in western Afghanistan.

Ongoing Activities

Agriculture

Alternative Development

Cross-Cutting

Democracy & Governance

Economic Growth

Education

Health

Infrastructure

Provincial Reconstruction Teams

Completed Activities

Agriculture

Alternative Development

Democracy & Governance

Economic Growth

Education

Health

Infrastructure

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Last updated March 21, 2010

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