Britannica AI Icon

central highlands

region, Afghanistan

Quick Summary

The central highlands of Afghanistan are a significant physiographic region, largely comprising the formidable Hindu Kush mountain range. This mountainous area, part of the larger Himalayan chain, covers approximately 160,000 square miles (414,000 square km) and is characterized by deep valleys and peaks that can exceed 21,000 feet (6,400 meters). High mountain passes, crucial for strategic importance, are found between 12,000 and 15,000 feet (3,600 to 4,600 meters). The Hindu Kush effectively divides Afghanistan into distinct geographic regions: the central highlands, the northern plains, and the southwestern plateau. This region is also prone to earthquakes, with many epicenters located in the northeastern Badakhshān area.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.