Afghanistan is located in Southern Asia. It shares its borders with Pakistan
in the south and east, Iran in the west Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
in the north and China in the far northeast. Considered as a crossroads between
East and West, this country is a virtual mosaic of ethnic groups and cultures.
In terms of population, the five largest cities of Afghanistan are Kabul, Mazari
Sharif, Heart, Jalalabad and Kandahar. Kabul is the Capital of Afghanistan. The
most popular tourist destinations in Afghanistan are Kabul, Kandahar and Band-e-Amir.
Please check the current safety recommendations for tourists at
http://travel.state.gov
website as currently there is a significant unrest in the country.
Climate:
Afghanistan climate is arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers.
However, temperatures often range greatly within a single day.
Transportation:
Public transportation in Afghanistan is mainly by bus and truck. However, there are several international airports in Kabul and Kandahar. Its main national airline is Ariana Afghan Airlines.
Time Zone:
GMT + 4.5.
Currency: Manat
Electricity: 220 Volts AC; 50Hz
Accommodation:
You will find comfortable accommodation in most of the big cities of Afghanistan, ranging from inexpensive to highly expensive luxury hotels.
Cuisine:
Food in Afghanistan is a rich and unique experience. Mostly, rice, meat, vegetable and chicken dishes are consumed. However, restaurants in most of the big cities offer international dishes besides the Afghan specialties.
Shopping:
Afghanistan provide as rich a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. It has several bazaars that are legendary and offer items, such as, Pustinchas that are made up of Lamb fur, Karakul coats and caps, Turkmen hats, Kandahar embroidery, pottery, rustic glassware of Heart, Kuchi or Nomad Jewelry, Lapis Lazuli and worked Alabaster, hand-woven carpets and rugs, Nuristani woodcarving, silkware, brass, copper & silver works, and a large variety of antique weapons, ornaments, coins, dishes, etc. It is truely a shoppers paradise because one can find almost anything in these markets.
