city, northeastern Afghanistan, near the Qondūz River, at an elevation of 1,650 feet (500 m). Baghlān is the centre of beet-sugar production and has a sugar refinery. Cotton textiles are also manufactured. The city's industrial development has led to rapid population growth. Recently built major highways link Baghlān with Kābul, the nation's capital, 130 miles (210 km) south, and with other commercial, industrial, and administrative centres of Afghanistan.

About 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Baghlān is Āteshkadeh-ye Sorkh Kowtal, site of the ruins of a Zoroastrian fire temple, believed to have been built in the 1st century AD by the Kushān emperor Kaniṣka I. The population of Baghlān is predominantly Tadzhik. Pop. (2006 est.) 56,200.