Numbers Define Afghanistan as Harsh and Deadly Place

Afghanistan is at the top of the agenda in Washington today, the eighth anniversary of the U.S. invasion. But many Americans have little understanding of the country because it is so remote and inaccessible - geographically and culturally.

From left, poppy crops in Afghanistanâ??s Lashkar Gah Helmand province, a sunset over foothills of...

From left, poppy crops in Afghanistanâ??s Lashkar Gah Helmand province, a sunset over foothills of Hindu Kush mountain range and an Afghan buzkashi player carries a bare-head goat on his horse during a game, are seen in these file photos. Afghanistan is at the top of the agenda in Washington today, the eighth anniversary of the U.S. invasion. But many Americans have little understanding of the country because it is so remote and inaccessible - geographically and culturally.

(Getty Images/AP Photo)

ABC News takes a look at the country that is best known for its hostile environment, its defiance of foreign armies, opium production and the Taliban. The numbers that define Afghanistan present a harsh and often deadly place.

Nevertheless, some traditions reveal a culture that strives for community, fun, and a better way of life.

Last year, Afghanistan produced 6,900 tons of opium, the main ingredient in heroin. It was 90 percent of the world's supply. Source: U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime

The average yearly income for Afghans is $300 per person, the same amount of money millions of people have spent on the latest Apple iPhone 3GS-32GB. Source: U.S. Agency for International Development

Related

Wounded U.S. Troops Refused to Leave Fight

Afghan Attacks Among Deadliest of the War

Who Really Wants More Troops in Afghanistan?

The street value of the opium produced in Afghanistan is $8 billion. If every Afghan received an equal portion of this amount, the average yearly household income in Afghanistan could more than double. Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Opium poppy fields cover roughly 304,000 acres – more than 20 times the size of Manhattan. Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime

Afghanistan ranks 181 out of 182 countries for overall well-being, behind such impoverished nations as Sudan, Sierra Leone and Haiti. Only the African country of Niger is lower on the list. Source: UN Development Report

More than 30 languages are spoken in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's version of "American Idol," called "Afghan Star," is the country's most popular show. An estimated 38.7 percent of their population gathered around old TV sets with spotty reception to watch Rafi Naabzada win the grand prize of $5,000.

The national sport of Afghanistan is Buzkashi, a sport played on horseback during which a headless goat carcass is placed in the center of a circle and surrounded by two opposing teams that try to score with it. The winners get to keep – and roast – the goat.