Introducing Afghanistan
Travel Alert: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends against all travel to some areas and against non-essential travel to the rest of Afghanistan, please check with your relevant national government.
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By any stretch of the imagination, Afghanistan isn’t the simplest country to travel in. For the visitor, it’s a world away from backpacking in Thailand or island-hopping in Greece. It’s a country recovering from nearly three decades of war, with a host of continuing problems. You’ll need to invest time getting the latest safety information, and news from other travellers or colleagues working in the country.
While it remains a volatile, often hostile area, Afghanistan contains some incredible treasures. Kabul sets a buzzing pace and Mazar-e Sharif & Northeastern Afghanistan is the home of the country's most sacred site. Samangan (Aibak) is the site for the caves and shrines of Takht-e Rostam, a hidden Buddhist gem and while the senseless destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan still resonates, their ruins, set in a serene valley, are an awe inspiring sight.
But with the right preparations, and a constant ear to the ground once you’re there, travel in Afghanistan is not only a possibility but also incredibly rewarding. The post-Taliban scene has brought investment to the country for the first time in years, and the logistics of getting around and finding somewhere to stay has become increasingly straightforward. Not only that, it’s an addictive country to visit. Once in Afghanistan, there’s something about the people, the history and even the air that can get in your blood and promise to draw you back again. Do your research, and you’ll find Afghanistan a truly rewarding country.
Last updated: Aug 24, 2012
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Afghanistan
Things to do
- All things to do (136)
- Activities (2)
- Entertainment (6)
- Restaurants (62)
- Shopping (19)
- Sights (47)
- Tours (0)
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Our Top Picks For Afghanistan
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1 Kabul
Get swept away by the hectic pace of change in the country’s buzzing capital
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2 Herat
Enjoy the unsurpassed architecture of this old Timurid capital
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3 Mazar-e Sharif
Make a pilgrimage to the blue domes of Afghanistan’s holiest shrine city
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4 Balkh
Follow in the footsteps of conquerors through the ruins of this ancient Silk Road city
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5 Bamiyan
Gaze in quiet awe at the ruined Buddha statues in this serene valley
Fast Facts about Afghanistan
- Refugee population outside Afghanistan
approximately 2 million
- Population
31 million (2006 estimate)
- Ranking on UN Human Development Index
173 (out of 178)
- Population under 14
approximately 14 million
- Adult literacy
36%
- Infant mortality rate
160 per 1000 live births
- Main imports
petroleum products, food, textiles, machinery
- Main exports
opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, hides and pelts, gems
- Gross Domestic Product per capita
US$800