Afghanistan is a landlocked country in South and Central Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the east and south, Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, and China to the northeast. The capital and largest city is Kabul. Afghanistan's geography is characterized by mountains, deserts, and fertile valleys. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Persian, Indian, Central Asian, and Islamic cultures. Afghanistan has a tumultuous history, including periods of empire and invasion, and has experienced conflict and political instability in recent decades.