How January 1 Became the Birthday of Choice for a Generation of Afghans

In the absence of birth certificates or official records, many Afghans have long used the seasons or historical events to help determine their age.

But the explosion of social media networks such as Facebook, which require users to register their birthday, and the growing demand for passports and visas have forced Afghans to pick a day -- any day.

 January 1 has become a common choice, although the date is more about practicality than parties.

Even those who know their real birth date often choose January 1 because they do not want the hassle of converting their birthday from the Solar Hijri, an Islamic calendar used only in Afghanistan and Iran.

The first day of the year in Hijri usually corresponds to March 21

Authorities are trying to change that.

In recent years Afghan hospitals in major cities have started issuing newborn babies with birth certificates -- something previous generations lack.

The government also plans to issue e-Tazkiras, or computerised national ID cards, to Afghans which would include their date of birth, if it is known. But the process has been stalled for years by political and technical problems.