Conflict and entrepreneurial activity in Afghan provinces: a preliminary analysis

Prior to the fall of the Taliban in late 2001, much of Afghanistan's infrastructure and state institutions had been destroyed by intent or neglect of the warring factions in the preceding three or so decades of conflict. Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world with an estimated per capita income of $300, average life span of 47 years, and high rates of infant mortality. Many of its provinces are devoid of anything approximating even the barest minimum formal and informal structures necessary for a developing, post-conflict economy.