Jalalabad is the capital of the Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. It is situated on the banks of the Kabul River at an altitude of  590 m above sea level and has a population of approximately 60,000. The city is surrounded by a large irrigated plain where fruit, almonds, rice, and grain are grown. Light industries include a sugarcane refinery and handicraft shops.  The University of Nangarhar is situated in Jalalabad. It is also a military centre, with an airfield.