South Sudan vs Afghanistan

About South Sudan

South Sudan is a country in East-Central Africa that gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya to the southeast, Uganda to the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and the Central African Republic to the west.

Since its independence, South Sudan has been embroiled in conflict and political instability. In 2013, a civil war broke out between the government and opposition forces, leading to widespread violence and displacement. A peace agreement was signed in 2015, but the fighting has continued and the country has struggled to rebuild and stabilize.

South Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a weak economy that is heavily dependent on oil exports. The country has a very young population, with more than half of the population under the age of 18. It also has a high rate of illiteracy and limited access to education.

In recent years, there have been efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in South Sudan, including through negotiations and the deployment of peacekeeping forces. However, the situation in the country remains fragile and there are ongoing challenges to building a stable and prosperous society.

Geography & terrain

Landlocked, no coastline. Terrain is dominated by vast, seasonally flooded swamplands (the Sudd) and savanna plains, with highlands near the southern border. Climate is tropical with pronounced wet and dry seasons. The wetlands and seasonal flooding form a significant natural barrier that has historically hampered outside movement, though the open plains elsewhere offer little protection.

About Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a country located in South and Central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the south and east, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the far northeast. The country has a complex history and has been a battleground for various powers throughout its history.

In recent times, Afghanistan has been embroiled in conflict for several decades, starting with the Soviet invasion in 1979 and continuing with the civil war that followed. The country has also been a major theater of operations in the War on Terror, with the United States and other countries intervening in the country after the September 11th attacks in 2001.

Since then, Afghanistan has seen significant political and social upheaval, including the rise and fall of the Taliban, the establishment of a new government, and ongoing violence and conflict with various militant groups. The country has also struggled with issues such as corruption, poverty, and a lack of infrastructure and development.

Despite these challenges, Afghanistan has made some progress in recent years, including holding successful elections and making progress on issues such as women's rights and education. However, the country still faces many challenges and will likely continue to be a focus of international attention for the foreseeable future.

Geography & terrain

Landlocked, no coastline. Rugged and mountainous, dominated by the Hindu Kush range, with arid plains and deserts in the south and west. Climate is arid to semiarid, with harsh winters at altitude. Famously difficult to conquer and hold: the high passes and compartmentalized valleys favor local defenders and have worn down successive outside armies over centuries.