Afghanistan
Social divisions.
The bulk of the population in the rural areas consists of small
farmers exploiting their tiny plots of land. The majority of
the city and town dwellers are artisans, small traders, or government
employees. The industrial labour force, though small, has grown.
There is also a business community of merchants and industrialists.
Since the 1960s the wearing of a veil by women has been voluntary,
and women have found employment in offices and shops. Some Afghan
women have received a university education.
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