Afghanistan

Bordered by Pakistan in the south and east, Iran in the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the north, and China to the east, Afghanistan is a landlocked country.

Today Afghanistan is characterized by conflict and political instability. It is prudent to follow the guidelines before making a trip to the country. After the fall of the Taleban administration in 2001, the situation has improved to some extent.

Bonn conference in 2001 paved the way for the establishment of a process for political reconstruction. As a result a new constitution was adopted and presidential election was held in 2004, and National Assembly elections in 2005. Hamid Karzai was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan. The National Assembly came into being on 19 December 2005.

The present dispensation is facing the challenge of stretching its authority beyond the capital city of Kabul as the rest of the country is again witnessing the resurgence of the hard-line groups.

Travel overview
Afghanistan has just emerged from years of war and civil unrest. Tourists are advised to avoid military zones, be aware of landmines and be extra-careful about security at all times. Afghanistan is known for its spectacular mountainous landscapes, ancient archeological sites, and medieval Islamic architecture. Tourist attractions in Afghanistan include the magnificent Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, the ruined capital city of Kabul, The fascinating medieval towns of Balkh, Ghazni, Mazar-e-Sharif and Kandhar are interesting places to visit. The ancient town of Bamiyan offers the opportunity to pass through the kaleidoscopic of time. The place is home to the Band-e-Amir Lake. Other tourist attractions include the 5th century fortress of Bala Hissar and City Walls in Kabul, the scenic Panjshir Valley. For adventure tourists, the country also offers excellent conditions for hiking and mountain trekking.

Capital: Kabul

Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran
Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers
Total Area: 647,500 sq km
Total Population: 31,889,923
Population Growth Rate: 2.625%
Sex Ratio: .049 male(s)/female
Literacy: 28.1%
Ethnic Groups: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Aimak, Turkmen, Baloch

Irrigated land: 27,200 sq km
Languages: Afghan Persian or Dari, Pashtu, Turkic languages, Balochi and Pashai, much bilingualism
Time Zone: UTC+4.5
Currency: Afghanis
Type of govt.: Islamic republic
Head of Govt.: Hamid Karzai
Major Political Parties: There are somany political parties with different agenda. Islamic Society of Afghanistan (Jamiat-e-Islami), Islamic United Party of Afghanistan (Hezeb Wahdat Islami Afghanistan ), Islamic Party Jamiat of Afghanistan (Hezbe Jamiate Islami Afghanistan), Islamic Party of Afghanistan (Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan), National Congress Party of Afghanistan (Hezb-e-Congra-e-Mili Afghanistan), National Movement of Afghanistan (Hezb-e-Nuhzhat-e-Mili Afghanistan), National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan (Jumbish-i-Milli Islami Afghanistan), United National Front

Participation in International Organizations: AsDB, CP, ECO, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, OSCE (partner), SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Major Agricultural Products: opium, wheat, fruits, nuts; wool, mutton, sheepskins, lambskins
Natural Resources & Minerals: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones

Industry & Transport: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper
Airports: 46
Roadways: 34,782 km
Waterways: 1,200 km
Major Trade Partners: US, India, Pakistan, Finland, Germany, Turkey, Turkmenistan
Exports: $471 million;
Imports: $3.87 billion